DAY 1 (Saturday): Arrive in Belize & Travel to the Highlands

Fly into Belize City (BZE), then continue on a local flight to Dangriga (flights not included).

Note: your international flight should land in Belize no later than 3:00 pm. For help with your internal and international flights, please let us know your home airport, and our flight partners at Exito Travel will send you a quote.

You take a taxi to the Belize Biltmore Hotel (about $25), and meet with the rest of the group and your Adventure Week guide. At 5:00 p.m., we load into the Slickrock van and drive 2 hours to Cassia Hill Resort where all inland activities will be launched from. Upon arrival to Cassia Hill, we have dinner and orientation on the week ahead.

If guests miss the Slickrock van, they will be responsible for catching themselves up to the trip. We cover all hotels, meals, and transport once meeting you.

Overnight in Cayo District: Cassia Hill Resort
Meals Included: Dinner

DAY 2 (Sunday): Hiking, Actun Tunichil Maknal (ATM) Cave Exploration, & Mayan Artifacts

After an early breakfast we drive to Actun Tunichil Muknal, the Cave of the Crystal Sepulcher. The cavern was considered to be an entrance to Shivalva, the Mayan home of subterranean gods. This is one of the most impressive archaeological treasures in the region.

first we hike about two miles from the edge of the rain forest to the cave entrance. We enter by swimming a few feet across the creek which issues from the cave’s mouth. Inside we find vaulted halls brimming with tall columns of crystallized flowstone. We view ceramic offerings left by Shamans, mixed with the bones and skulls of sacrificial victims. We also see a fully-articulated skeleton of a woman bonded to the cave floor.

Few other Mayan sites can compare to the treasures found in this cave!

Overnight in Cayo District: Cassia Hill Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3 (Monday): Whitewater Kayaking the Mopan River & Xunantunich Ruins

After breakfast we embark on a kayak run down the Mopan River. We use sit-on-top kayaks for this adventure, which are stable and easy to paddle. A land training session is followed with further instruction as we travel downstream.

Our run down the Mopan consists of 5 miles of the river as it passes through the end of a gorge into the valley below the Maya Mountains. The river’s warm, 70 degree water is a beautiful clear green color and the channel is surrounded by huge trees teeming with parrots and iguanas.

The rapids we encounter are an easy level with large pools at the end of each drop, and they are quite exciting! You will learn to surf waves, dodge rocks, and plunge off small drops. We enjoy lunch at a riverside cafe.

In the afternoon we climb The Castillo pyramid at Xunantunich Ruins, where our guide (a Mayan himself) interprets the ruins and Mayan culture. The ruins perched high on a hill with a view to Guatemala. This complex was a major ceremonial center during the classic period of the Maya.

We return to Cassia Hill for the night.

Overnight in Cayo District: Cassia Hill Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4 (Tuesday): Underground Kayaking on the Caves Branch River & Return to Belize City

We pack up early and drive to the Caves Branch River Belize. After a short orientation we launch on our underground journey in hardshell kayaks, navigating by headlamp. This unique trip combines caving with river running. Everyone must negotiate a quarter-mile portage on a jungle trail during this five-mile run. This is arguably the best one-day adventure in the country!

What to see what it’s like? Check out this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKbeJJfmzLg&feature=youtu.be

This adventure takes the whole day. You kayak in and out of four caves. There are also several windows that look out into the daytime sky with jungle flora spilling into the window. But mostly you are running this river in the complete darkness, with only your headlamp and the lights of others with you lighting the way. In the final cave you run into other groups, but usually not too many as we run it on a day that there are less (or no) other tours.

The caves of Belize were sacred to the Mayans, and the Caves Branch River corridor is no exception. Mayan artifacts are found inscribed into the cave formations along the river.

We have lunch along the way in one of the open areas, right before the portage. Lunch is served on the bottom of a kayak. What a fun day.

In the late afternoon we drive to the Belize Biltmore Plaza hotel in Belize City (about 2 hours) where we are joined by travelers just going out to the island.

After checking into the Biltmore, we meet to go over instructions for the island, followed by dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Overnight in Belize City: Biltmore Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5 (Wednesday): Boat Ride to Long Caye Island, Snorkeling Orientation at Glover’s Reef, & Free Afternoon

After breakfast at the hotel we walk two blocks to our dock (luggage is driven). The boat leaves around 8 or 9 a.m., arriving at the island just before lunch. It takes 3 hours to 3 hours & 45 minutes to get to Long Caye (65 miles), crossing the Belize Barrier Reef just south of Tobacco Caye.

We own our boat and take care of the maintenance and repair. Long Caye is 65 miles from Belize City and the run takes about 3 to 4 hours. 45 minutes of this ride is an open-sea crossing between the barrier reef and the atoll. It is common to experience large swells and spray over this stretch. We hire professional captains who excel in all conditions, and we are confident in the safety of our passengers. Yet some guests, while safe, may feel concerned if they are not accustomed to traveling on the open sea, and those susceptible to seasickness should take precautions. Be assured that we do monitor the weather, and we will cancel the boat trip if conditions are deemed dangerous. When this happens, (and it does) we provide other activities.

Once on the island we begin with a complete tour of our facility. Lunch is waiting for us, and afterwards you settle into your very own Belize cabana on the water. By 1:30 or 2:00 we are meeting for our first sport orientation: snorkeling! Everyone participates in this session, as well as the sea kayak orientation the next morning. These sessions are only offered once.

We start with a review of your gear and snorkel safety specific to our area (travelers are responsible for providing their own snorkel gear). We then break into smaller groups, each with their own guide, and swim to our closest snorkel spot for your first snorkel at Glover’s Reef.

From now on everyone can snorkel as much as they like, as long as you run your snorkel plan by us and have a buddy to join you. Group snorkel excursions are scheduled throughout the week, usually daily.

There are tons of different activities you can do this afternoon. See descriptions below the itinerary.

Overnight at Long Caye Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6 (Thursday): Sea Kayak Orientation, Snorkel/Kayak Excursion, Windsurfing Orientation (optional), & Free Time

This morning we conduct the sea kayak orientation, which starts off on the beach, followed by a practice session in the water. We cover paddle strokes, entering and exiting the kayak (so you can snorkel out of the kayaks), and rescue techniques so that you are safe to paddle with or without a guide, as long as you have a buddy.

The sea kayak orientation session is the last mandatory activity. From now on you can pick and choose, and if you don’t want to do a sport, you simply choose something else when that orientation session is offered.

After lunch, one guide takes a group paddling to a nearby patch reef to practice what we just learned, while another guide offers windsurfing instruction.

Certified divers may also begin diving this afternoon, and fishermen can fish anytime. In fact, we pay for your Belize fishing license so you can begin fishing right away.

There are tons of different activities you can do this day. See descriptions below the itinerary.

Overnight at Long Caye Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7 (Friday): Free Day – Do Everything or Just Chill

Our final full day is always the best. Get in more diving, snorkeling, or kayaking. Our Belizean cooks prepare fantastic feasts for us, which we enjoy in between this wide array of activities.

Other options not yet mentioned include windsurfing, kayak rolling, stand up paddle boarding, kitesurfing, kayak surfing, a downwind stand up paddle board trip to Southwest Caye 6 miles away, night snorkeling, full-moon paddling, and learning kiteboarding basics using our trainer kite. And did you know we have the only Belize surfing center in the country?

See descriptions of the different activities below the itinerary.

Overnight at Long Caye Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8 (Saturday): Free Morning & Return to Belize City in the Afternoon

After an early morning paddle board session before breakfast, we snorkel to “Lobster Rocks”, a nearby, shallow patch reef. Fishermen can fish right up until the boat comes. Or you can do what ever you feel like doing!

After lunch we return to Belize City.

Our arrival time cannot be predicted since it depends on factors we cannot control. Therefore, guests should not make other plans for Saturday night, and our last night’s lodging is included in the trip price. You will not get back in time to catch an international flight. After checking into the Biltmore, guests are on their own for dinner.

Overnight in Belize City: Biltmore Plaza Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 9 (Sunday): Depart Belize City

You will take a taxi (about $25) to the airport (BZE) in time to catch your flight home (flights not included).

Meals Included: –

This itinerary is subject to change. Weather, river levels, and road conditions can cause delays or substitution of activities.

Of all the highlights of your vacation, exploring the underwater world may top the list. The reefs of Belize are world-renowned, and those at Glover’s National Marine Reserve are the best in the country. In addition to 700+ patch reefs you can snorkel on the reef wall just off our shore. We snorkel every day while on the island.

Snorkel gear is not included in the package because this is personal gear, it must fit your face. Most towns have local diving shops where you can go and get expert advice for choosing the best mast and snorkel for you.

Best Snorkeling Spots Around Long Caye

1. Practice Reef. This is where we conduct our snorkel orientations and where we also go night snorkeling. Our most accessible reef, you can easily swim to it, and much of the surrounding sand at this patch reef is only about 3 feet deep, so you can stand up right next the coral whenever you need a break. This is the perfect first snorkel.

2. The Aquarium. Just a 2/3 mile paddle away, this is one of our all-time favorite snorkels, and it will be yours too! A very shallow reef, you can stand up all around this beautiful patch reef. Most of the incredible snorkel images on this site were taken here.

3. Dado’s Reef. Named after a ship-wrecked sailor (yes really!), this reef is just a swim away. It is quite deep in places. One of the most beautiful snorkel spots you will ever see.

4. The Horseshoe. This nearby reef is accessed by kayak, although for a longer swim you can also swim there with a safety kayaker joining you. It is about a 1/2 mile from our island. This is usually our first paddle/snorkel, where you paddle to a patch, tie your boat up to the guide’s boat, and jump out WITHOUT tipping over (we teach you to do this.)

5. Lobster Rocks. What a wonderful area this is. The coral is particularly beautiful here, and on one recent snorkel we saw about 12 Caribbean Spiny Lobsters. We usually paddle to this one, but you can swim or paddleboard if you prefer.

6. Conch Central. One of our new favorites. We paddle here every week to snorkel out of the kayaks, sometime combining this one with Sea Fan City. This is a large patch reef with a lot of tropical fish.

7. Sea Fan City. The proximity to the channel means we see a lot of larger fish here, and very healthy Elkhorn Coral (not to mention a whole lot of Purple Sea Fans!)

8. The Channel. We paddle out to a deep patch reef between Long and Northeast Cayes. Huge schools of Bermuda Chub, Black Grouper and Spotted Eagle Rays are seen almost every time!

9. Northeast Caye. There are several areas of reef over near the caye next door that we like to paddle to. A fairly deep snorkel, it’s nice to have your boat to hang on to if you need extra flotation. This is a gorgeous area.

10. Drift Snorkel. We swim out from the north end of our island, and then drift with the prevailing winds which takes us by three small patch reefs. Then we swim back in at the south end. A very aerobic swim!

11. The Wall. When the conditions are right we swim to this famous Belize dive site. This entire snorkel is over your head, and conditions have to be calm. Here we can see huge loggerhead turtles swimming right in front of us!

12. The Cut. A great loop snorkel, we swim from the southern end of the island along the barrier reef of the atoll from the inside. We cut through the boat channel, and return on the outside of the reef. A fantastic, long exploratory snorkel.

13. Snorkel Around the Island. We often swim almost all the way around, and the outside of the island is the best. We are not as far out as The Wall snorkel, the coral and parrot fish here are amazing!

14. Far Tortuga. An absolutely huge patch reef, we have never made it all the way around this one. This is a mile paddle, you really feel like you are way out in the middle of nowhere when you anchor here.

15. Angel Fish Paradise. Not as intimidating as the giant Far Tortuga snorkel, this one is teaming with Angel Fish and other beautiful species.

16. Sponge Forest. What a great snorkel! This patch reef is really 2 patches, we usually anchor in the middle of them. There is an amazing Star Coral canyon here, and lots of sponges and fish!

17. Atlantis. This one is two miles away, so we don’t go here every week, we need a hardy group! This is like a sunken volcano of sand. It is surrounded by deep water (about 50 feet), but is flat and only 3 feet deep on the top, you can stand up anywhere in between the coral patches. We see a lot of really cool stuff here, we doubt if anyone had ever explored it before we found it three years ago.

The 80-degree waters of Belize create an unbeatable setting to enjoy the thrills of sea kayaking; no experience is required. Our guides instruct a full range of kayaking techniques: strokes, rolling, and rescues. We paddle every day to nearby islands, into the lagoon, or along the reef in search of new snorkeling locations. Because we base from a private island you may paddle as much or as little as you like.

The remarkable clarity of the water at Glover’s makes this an ideal location for scuba, which is available from our neighbors just down the beach at Long Caye Dive Shop. There are 54 miles of wall diving within a 12-mile radius of Long Caye. The top of the reef wall varies from 40 to 80 feet. It is not uncommon to encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and as many as 50 species of creatures in one dive. Long Caye Dive Shop is a full-service PADI scuba facility. Guests often take time off from our activities to go diving. In addition to serving certified divers, they also provide classes that permit novices to train and dive.

Long Caye Dive Shop

Long Caye Dive and Gift Shop is located just down the beach from the lodge. Guests often take time off from our activities to go scuba diving. In addition to dives for certified divers, the dive shop provides one-half day courses that permit non-divers to train and continue to dive for the rest of the week. Advanced scuba courses are also available. Long Caye Dive Shop is a full-service PADI training facility.

Certified Dive Parameters

• Certified divers MUST present their cards and attend a check-out session. You must remember your cards or you will not be able to dive!
• Published dive rates are updated periodically and could change at anytime.
• All prices listed in U.S. dollars
• Prices include tank, air, weights with belt, boat transport, Dive Master
• All diving and rental equipment must be paid for on location with cash, Visa or MasterCard. Neither American Express nor Traveler’s Checks are accepted.
• There is a 12.5% Belize Sales Tax on top of all dives, gear rental, and courses in addition to the prices listed here. This rate could change without notice.
• Gratuities are not includes in prices and are greatly appreciated by the dive staff. Tips have to be in cash, they cannot be put onto a credit card.

Dive Rates

Certified Dives:
1 to 5 Dives: US$50.00 per person per dive
6 to 12 Dives: US$45.00 per person per dive
13+ Dives: US$40.00 per person per dive
BCD & Regulator Rental: US$10.00 per person per dive
Wetsuit: US$8.00 per person per dive

Non-Certified Dives (Discover Scuba): US$85.00 per person per dive (gear included)

Note: There is a 12.5% Belize Sales Tax on top of all dives, gear rental, and courses.

Diving Belize At Glover’s Reef

• All dives are wall dives and guided from boats; no shore diving allowed. Average boat ride to dive site is 2 – 10 minutes.
• Average length of dive is 35-50 minutes in bottom time.
• Dive group size is 2-8 guests.
• Single divers are guaranteed a buddy because a Dive Master accompanies every dive
• Divers are grouped together. If only one person is interested in diving, diving may not be offered every time the single diver wants to go. For example, if only one person wants to dive for a full week, it would not be possible for them to dive 3 times a day (each dive requires 2 staff members + gasoline).
• If you are a certified diver but have not been diving in a long time, you can take the Discover Scuba course as a refresher. If the course is already being offered to others, they will allow certified divers to sit in on the lecture portion for free.
• Divers supply their own mask, fins, snorkel
• Weights are simple strap belts with 2, 3 and 4 lb. weights threaded onto the belt. They are provided for all divers, but are not available for rent for non-diving activities
• Wetsuits are provided for all courses (very limited sizes available), and are available to rent for certified divers, but are not available to rent for non-diving activities (ie snorkeling)
• Limited dive lights are available to rent for night scuba dives, but cannot be guaranteed available for all, you should bring your own light if you want to night dive. Dive lights are not available to rent to snorkelers
• Dive locations, time of dives, and duration of dives will be at the discretion of dive shop management
• Diving is often unavailable on Saturday, this is a transfer day and staff may not be available to take guests diving

My certification is with another organization other than PADI. Does the Long Caye Dive Shop accept my certification so I can go diving on your trips?

NAUI, SDI, SSI, ACUC, CMAS, IDEA, and BSAC are other scuba certification organizations that we accept. Persons with these certifications may dive as certified divers diving with us. If persons with a referral from another organization want to complete a certification on our island, they have two choices: 1) Bring your signed diver medical form and Universal Referral Form with you (get both from your dive instructor). Our dive shop completes this form after the course is completed. You then take this form back to your origianl instructor, who then processes the certification card in the original dive organization’s name. 2) If you wish to cross over to a PADI certification, the dive shop can do this instead, but it takes more course time and costs more. Please inquire for additional costs.

Do you provide or rent dive computers?

All of our staff have computers and make a dive plan for each dive. We dive as a group with a dive master on each dive, and each dive is a multilevel dive utilizing the wheel, so it is not necessary for individual divers to have a computer to dive with us, and most do not. We do not have dive computers to rent. Sometimes guests will rent one from a local dive shop near home or borrow from a friend for their dive holiday if they do not have one or don’t want to buy one.

Medical Concerns

A PADI Medical Form must be filled out by every new diver or dive student regardless of what dive class they are taking with us, or their age.

This 2 page form asks about many ailments and illnesses, and any “yes” answered on this form without an accompanying doctor’s signature will mean that guests will not be eligible to take any dive class with us. Areas of concern for diving fitness include: diabetes, respiratory problems, circulation problems, heart problems, major surgery, and asthma. There are real risks of diving with certain medical conditions.

If a person can honestly answer “no” to every single question on the form, then no doctor’s signature is required, and guests may complete the form when here. If a “yes” is answered on the form, a doctor’s signature is required, which would have to be filled out by the doctor and signed prior to coming on the trip.

PADI does not require certified divers to fill out this form prior to diving, unless taking a class or if they have had a medical issue or change in health since they originally got certified to dive. If there are any questions at all, it is recommended you fill out the form in advance and get a doctor’s signature on the form if you want to dive and you have any possible medical concerns.

A guardian or parent will need to sign all dive documents, liability releases etc for any child under the age of 18, prior to that child diving or taking a PADI course with us.

Diving For Kids

Kids ages 8 and 9 may take the Bubblemaker course which has a 6-foot depth limit and takes one-half day.

Kids who are already certified, who are ages 10 or older, can dive while here.

Kids ages 10 and 11 who wish to take a dive course with us, either Discover Scuba or a Certification Course, may be able to, if the parent/guardian feel the child is capable and if our Dive Instructor feels the child is capable.

Kids ages 12 and over may get certified to dive, or take the one-half day Discover Scuba course if they wish.

Non-divers or snorkelers will not be able to join divers on the boat while divers are diving or taking courses. Therefore, single parents may not go scuba diving unless they have another adult in their party that can supervise their kids while they dive.

If the child is in a dive course, he will not be able to dive with his parents until he is certified, unless the parents are also students in the same course. During courses students must dive with a Dive Instructor while certified divers dive with a Dive Master. The two groups may share the boat ride to a dive, but they will not be diving together. Also, when the student is doing skills with the Instructor, we have found in the past that having family members along who are just watching and not taking the course at the same time tend to distract from the lesson. After the course is completed, the child will be certified and then they can all dive together as certified divers.

The PADI Medical Form must be signed by a parent.

Our eastern shore is exposed to prevailing trade winds, which create ideal conditions for surf. The waves break on shoals of coral rubble, which generate a perfect “point” break and a great ride for our surf kayaks. Even if you have never surfed before you will be carving it up after your surf kayaking introduction.

We have a fleet of high-tech sit-on-top surf kayaks with planing hulls, fins, ankle leashes, seat backs, and leg straps. The surf kayaking on our island is great for beginning and advanced boaters alike. No prior experience is necessary.

Perfect For Beginners Or Experts

The ocean kayak surfing here is great for beginner through advanced surfers. Even those with no experience are soon riding the waves after a short orientation. Surf kayaks allow anyone to easily catch a wave since you are using a paddle rather than your arms to propel you craft, and it is easy to adjust your position to start a ride in exactly the right spot. With a few fast strokes you are on the wave, and the thrill of accelerating down its face is like no other.

Steering is accomplished with rudder strokes to the back of the boat, and before reaching the bottom and out running the wave it is necessary to turn back into the wave. Ideally, the surfer will then maintain a position just in front of the break and on the steeper face of the wave. Once in this position, you will be able to stay on the wave for up to 100 yards as the wave passes over the angular shoal that creates a ‘line’ for the break to continue. Wipe-outs are no threat since you just fall out and climb back aboard.

What Time Of Year Is Best For Kayak Surfing?

Good waves can be found all year, it depends on the weather out to sea which creates the swells that form the best waves. Winter and spring are windy seasons and Long Caye will usually see a good break of four feet or higher during this time, but occasionally the seas do flatten out for a few days at a time. December through March is usually the best time to plan for waves. Last season, even the month of April had decent surf for 3 out of 4 weeks.

Surf Kayaks Available

-Kaos by Wilderness Systems
-5-0 by Perception
-4.4 Surf Skis by Malibu Kayaks

We have the #1 surfable break in Belize! Board surfing at Long Caye is great for intermediate and advanced surfers.

Guests with surfing experience must first demonstrate kayak surfing ability before they are cleared to use the boards in surf, and we recommend you then graduate to paddle board surfing before attempting board surfing.

Experienced surfers can catch the bigger breaks further out and often get very long rides when conditions are good. Surfing with our boards is subject to trip manager/guide approval. Beginners with good athletic ability and some experience may be able to get some board rides if conditions permit. Our boards are chosen specifically for our wave.

Experience Is Needed For Surf Boarding

Although our wave is excellent for surf kayakers at any level, our break is not ideal for beginner board surfers. This is because our break is on a reef of broken (hard) coral rubble, not (soft) sand. Anyone wiping out while learning to surf here could sustain a serious injury.

Guests with surfing experience must first demonstrate kayak surfing ability before they are cleared to use the boards in surf, and we recommend you then graduate to paddle board surfing before attempting board surfing.

Experienced surfers can catch the bigger breaks further out and often get very long rides when conditions are good. Surfing with Slickrock boards is subject to trip manager/guide approval. Beginners with good athletic ability and some experience may be able to get some board rides if conditions permit. Our boards are chosen specifically for our wave.

About Our Wave

Our point break is almost always active at the channel entrance between Long Caye and the neighboring island, intercepting swells driven in by the trade winds. The swells break and peel off to the right in long, running breaks that can go for up to a hundred yards. The bottom topography under this break is eroded coral rubble, with no live or sharp coral faces, creating a safe (but hard) bottom surface.

Our wave is a right hand break which starts out in 8-12 feet of water, getting progressively shallower the longer the ride, ending in about 3 feet depth. Moderate to steep on the initial drop, there can also be a slight reform where one needs to cutback to make a second section where the wave walls up again with a fun, punchy, fast, inner section. Because of the shallowness of the break, this wave is not recommended for first time beginners as there is the risk of falling off the board wrong and hitting the bottom. However there is little risk of being “pounded” by the wave inside because it loses most of its force in the shallow water.

Swell in the winter is almost always near/moderate fetch trade-wind-driven waves. The Trades blow a near constant 10-15 knots (or more), so often times surfable wave conditions also have “onshore” wind and chop It’s a rare day to have super glassy conditions – although it does happen. The biggest sets we ever see are 6-8 feet. Normally they are 4 feet high.

Also, because of the reef the wave is very consistent; it’s common to have a 4-6 foot face on the initial drop. Rides of 50 to 100 yards are possible on good days when it’s connecting. This is a very uncrowded break, so except for having to share with a few other guests, you can catch all the waves you want!

If you want world-class, immaculately groomed long fetch overhead barrels – you should consider a destination such as Tavarua or the Mentawais. However, if you’re a surfer planning to go to Glovers for the reefs and kayaking, windsurfing, etc. – you also might be rewarded with some very fun, VERY uncrowded tropical surf.

What About Surfing For Kids?

Not all of our guides surf, so surfing lessons are not available for beginners every week. Persons under the age of 12 are not authorized to use any of our surf boards at any time, and those between the ages of 12 and 15 may use our boards only at the lead guide’s discretion. Your kids are still able to use the paddle boards and surf kayaks for the surf, depending on their age and size.

What Time Of Year Is Best For Surfing?

Good waves can be found all year, it depends on the weather out to sea which creates the swells that form the best waves. Winter and spring are windy seasons and Long Caye will usually see a good break of four feet or higher during this time, but occasionally the seas do flatten out for a few days at a time. December through March may be the best time to plan for waves, though we have had flat spells during these months as well. Last season, even the month of April had decent surf for 3 out of 4 weeks.

Our waves are generated by the trade winds, which blow all season long. These conditions are different than many surf destinations that rely on a “storm season” from either the Northern or Southern Hemisphere. This is relatively short period wind waves and usually originates a few hundred miles from the island. As such, it never really goes “flat” for long periods, usually not for more than a few days, although sometimes the waves do arrive with those same onshore trade winds. Like any surf destination, you never can truly predict what the weather will deliver on any given week.

Please remember, there is no way to predict the swell for a specific date!

Surf Boards Available

6’10” Epoxy Fish by Yancy Spencer
6’10” & 7’10” Funboards by Blue Surfboards
7’6” MBB Thruster by Channel Islands
9’0” & 9’2” Performance Epoxy Longboards by Colbalt

Surfers may want to bring their own board, which we will gladly carry out to the island. One can ride a variety of boards on the break, everything from long boards and fun shapes on mellower days (or for the less experienced) and our wave is also great for the modern fish shapes on bigger days. True short board thrusters occur on bigger days for those in the know. A fish is probably the all-around best bet as it works in most size waves, including smaller, mushier days. Another good option would be the new hybrid “mini-tanker” boards with higher volume/less length in the 6-7 ft range. Our wave is not a consistent short board break but it is a very consistent long board break; any board over 7’ is going to perform well on our wave.

Fishermen will not be disappointed! Belize fishing is famous among avid anglers. And Glover’s Reef (which includes Long Caye) is the best of the best. There is no need to hire a private guide, you just wade in. The fishing (catch-and-release only) is excellent just off our island; it is common to pull in several bonefish per session. Many fishermen cast off of our dock and catch permit, jack, and barracuda.

All fishing is catch-and-release only. The only exception to the catch-and-release rule are Lionfish. They are an invasive species and everyone is encouraged to spear as many as they can. We provide the spear guns or you can bring your own.

Do I Need A Fishing Guide?

There is no need to hire a guide, you just wade in and fish! The fishing is excellent just off our island; in fact professional fishing guides charging $350/day regularly bring their guests over 35 miles by boat just to fish a few feet from our shore for a few hours. But you can fish there anytime you want!

What Time Of Year Is Best For Bonefishing?

The fly fishing is always good! And the fishing at nearby Middle Caye is EXCELLENT. We often paddle down to fish there. All you need is a buddy.

What About A Belize Fishing License?

Glovers Reef Atoll Belize is a National Marine Reserve and it is catch-and-release only for guests. Sport fishing at Glover’s Reef requires a license. We buy it for you! You can begin to fish right away, the ranger shows up days later and we pay for your license at that time.

Fly Fishing Or Spincasting?

Most guests focus on fly fishing for bonefish and permit, however those who spincast will pull in more fish. Our waters abound with jack, barracuda, and snapper which readily take spinners.

If you don’t have fly fishing gear you can use your spin-casting equipment for fly fishing, and here’s how to do it. If you are using a collapsible spin-casting rod you will need a clear float bobber that you fill with water. This gives the line weight and gives you the ability to do longer casts with a short pole. After the bobber you attach a swivel which stops the bobber from traveling down the line toward the fly. After the swivel you tie on a tippet, then the fly. A 7-foot tippet is best. With this set-up the fly sinks to the bottom, and with a Crazy Charlie, it looks like a shrimp. Bonefish don’t go for lures, only flies.

What Do Fishermen Need To Bring?

We do not provide fishing tackle, only fishing kayaks, so we are often asked what sport fishermen should bring for the conditions surrounding our island. Our island has a variety of bottom conditions that require different tackle to attract the fish being sought after. There is a deeper bay (6-15’ deep) right off our primary beach, and a large school of bonefish live there. Heavier flies work better in this zone, and we most often use the fishing kayaks to stalk the school in this area.

Wading is very easy on the flats near our shore and more challenging on the reef edge. The west end of the island and prime fishing areas on nearby islands have shallower sand flat zones with turtle grass coverage where solitary bonefish are often found. These tend to be the larger bonefish (cruisers), and a lighter fly works better in these areas. The areas of transition between the turtle grass and sand flats are generally the best areas to find these larger, solitary bonefish. There are also areas on the windward side of the island where you can cast into the surf zone, either into coral reefs or rubble shoals, where jack and snapper, as well as reef fish, are more easily caught.

Bring a lot of lures because they often get caught on coral or lost to big fish. Crazy Charlie flies are by far the most successful flies used to land bonefish in our area, so bring a plentiful supply of both light and heavy flies of this type. Brown Bitters, Snapping Shrimp, Foam crabs, McCrabs, and bring several tippets would be a good selection to round out your collection. Fishermen have had good luck with pinks, whites, browns, and greens, with combinations used depending on the bottom color. There is no single ‘magic’ color or size that will be perfect, it will be necessary to adapt to the conditions and the location you are fishing from at the time. Bring an 8 weight fly rod, 9’ in length, with a marine floating line with 10-15 lb leaders. For a reel use any saltwater compatible with plenty of backing (200+ feet.) Also, remember to bring polarized sunglasses and ankle high booties for wading (many stinging hydroids and occasional urchins hide in the sea grass).

Be sure to read Randall Kaufman’s “Bonefishing With a Fly”, especially chapters on retrieve, hooking and landing.

We do see quite a few permit in the surf zone and shoals off the point of our island. These fish are notoriously skittish and very hard to get close enough to for casting. They are not a seasonal fish so anytime is right to find them, although they are not present everyday and one should never count on finding them on any particular week. Permit spook easily and are very particular about what they strike, so finding the right crab pattern for your fly is difficult. Have a tan, green, and brown pattern available. Fishermen can wade into these zones to get close to the fish, wading in right off the island’s shore.

Overall, the fishing at Long Caye is more about spotting fish, figuring out their feeding patterns, and exploring terrain. Of course good presentation and casting action is important, but the actual fly used is probably less important than these other aspects. You’ve got to find the fish first, and there is a lot of terrain to explore. Some days will be exemplary, some days you’ll get skunked, and as we all know luck is the primary factor in a successful fishing outing! If you’re coming to Belize specifically to find a prize winning permit, for instance, our advice would be to go to a fishing lodge and hire a professional guide who will take you right to the fish you end up catching, at a cost of $350/day. If you want to explore and improve your skills in spotting fish without a lot of other fishermen around, our place is perfect for you.

Can I Troll From A Kayak?

We rarely host fishermen who use our kayaks for trolling outside the reef. There are a few reasons for this. Our fishermen all fly fish or spin cast either by wading in, fishing from the dock, or fishing in the shallows from an anchored fishing kayak. One reason is that no one should use the kayaks without a buddy (another person in a 2nd kayak, joining you) unless they are right trolling near the island. The area outside the atoll is often too rough to kayak at at all, with or without a guide.

Occasionally conditions can permit you to fish outside if a guide accompanies you. However, since our guides are guiding everyone, not just the two fishermen, there may not be many or any times you could actually go outside during a week on the island. This would depend on the weather and the size of the group. Obviously if there were only 4 or 6 people on the trip the guide would have a lot more time to join you outside than if there were 20. We can’t predict in advance how many people might sign up for the trip date you choose. It is possible, however, to troll inside the atoll on a much more regular basis. The fish you could catch inside (where it is much much more calm) are: amber jack, barracuda, permit, bonefish, snapper, horse eyed jacks and yellow tail jacks.

Kayak fly fishing is the hot new sport for dedicated anglers. Fishermen who yearn to fish at Glover’s can now use our top-of-the-line fishing kayaks as an alternative to wading in or fishing off our dock. Paddling one is easier than you might think, and we include this instruction. Fishing kayaks are wider than regular kayaks to prevent them from tipping over while casting, and they also use anchors and pontoons to stabilize the craft when fishing.

Kayak Fishing For Beginners!

Paddling a fishing kayak is easier than you might think, and we include this instruction. Fishing kayaks are wider than sea kayaks to prevent them from tipping over while casting. They also use anchors and pontoons to stabilize the craft.

There’s more to Belize kayak fishing than hopping aboard and paddling out to catch that bonefish with your name on it. On the first day we familiarize you with all of the parts of a standard kayak, as well as paddling, getting in and out of the boat while in the water, etc. Later you can check out our fishing kayaks and familiarize yourself with storing your gear onboard.

Kayak Fishing Equipment

We did the research to find the best fishing kayaks available. Our fishing kayaks have tackle storage, rod holders, fish holds, and anchors. With the versatility and stealth advantages of a sit-on-top kayak, sport fishermen can more easily access our fantastic fishing spots. Most of the sand flats at Glover’s Reef are too deep to wade, so you need a fishing kayak to take advantage of all of the ocean fishing opportunities in this seldom-fished area of Belize.

Kayaks: Ride 135 and Tarpon 160i by Wilderness Systems
Lifejackets: Stohlquist Fishing Jackets

What Will We Catch?

Bonefish and permit are the most common game fish found inside the atoll. The atoll sees very little sportfishing, so the fish populations are thriving.

Just How Good Is The Fishing At Long Caye?

Commercial fishing guides from the mainland sometimes bring their guests 35 miles out to the spot where we just wade or paddle in, less than 100 feet from our shore!

In addition to fishing inside the atoll, trolling on the outside reef can be very exciting. Conditions do not occur every trip for this activity, but huge grouper, dorado, permit, kingfish and marlin on the outer reef wall, which is only about 100 yards from your cabana! You would definitely have to have a buddy to do this with you, single paddlers cannot paddle outside alone, and sometimes a guide will be required, even for two fishermen.

Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP) has exploded in popularity in just the past few years to become the fastest growing new water sport in the US. Our sheltered lagoon is a perfect place to try out this new sport, and our surf break allows experienced surfers to try out the SUP board on our surf break.

From Beginner To Surfing

Our location at Long Caye is perfect for paddle boards, where our calm lagoon is perfect for learning the easy skills necessary to control a board.

Paddlers can then try out our nearby surf break, which has perfect waves for beginners to learn the dynamics of catching waves, making cuts to traverse the wave face, and practicing recoveries. The great appeal of paddle boards is that it makes surfing easy, anyone can now experience the rush of surfing a wave on a real, stand up board. Their large size and stability, combined with the speed of using a paddle, lets anyone catch waves and ride the break.

Our boards and paddles are late model designs, and our guides offer instruction in the sport. Due to our ideal location and climate for the sport, paddle boarding has already become one of the most popular activities we offer.

Paddle Board Surfing

Long Caye enjoys the only surf break in Belize that is both accessible and safe (not breaking over live coral). There are many places throughout Belize where the swells break on the barrier reefs and outside reefs of the atolls, and undoubtedly there are other nicely formed point breaks at various channels through the reef, but any such breaks are a long boat ride from inhabited areas or (usually) are breaking on live coral which has sharp points and ‘heads’ that make for unsafe conditions.

Our point break is almost always active at the end of the ring reef where the channel entrance intercepts the swells driven by Caribbean trade winds. The swells break on the end of this reef as it opens to form the channel between Long Caye and a neighboring island, and peel off to the right in long, running breaks that can go for several hundred yards. The bottom topography under this break is eroded coral rubble, with no live or sharp coral faces, creating a safe (but hard) bottom surface for the inevitable wipe-outs and swims.

If you want world-class, immaculately groomed long fetch overhead barrels – you should consider a destination such as Tavarua or the Mentawais. However, if you’re a paddle board surfer planning to go to Glovers Atoll for the reefs and kayaking, windsurfing, etc. – you also might be rewarded with some very fun, uncrowded tropical surf.

Although our wave is perfect for surf kayaks and paddle boards, including beginners, it is not ideal for first timers on a regular surf board. This is due to the nature of falls (headfirst) that inevitably occur on a surfboard vs. a paddle board or kayak. The shallow shoals that create the surf wave are composed of coral rubble, not sand. Beginners start out on surf kayaks, then move on to paddle boarding before trying out our surfboards. Beginners in all three sports wear helmets when surfing our wave.

The Break

Our wave is a right hand break which starts out in 8-12 feet of water, getting progressively shallower the longer the ride, ending in about 3 feet depth. Moderate to steep on the initial drop, there can also be a slight reform where one needs to cutback to make a second section where the wave walls up again with a fun, punchy, fast, inner section. Because of the shallowness of the break, this wave is not recommended for first time beginners as there is the risk of falling off the board wrong and hitting the bottom. However there is little risk of being “pounded” by the wave inside because it loses most of its force in the shallow water.

Swell in the winter is almost always near/moderate fetch trade-wind-driven waves. The Trades blow a near constant 10-15 knots (or more), so often times surfable wave conditions also have “onshore” wind and chop It’s a rare day to have super glassy conditions – although it does happen.

Also, because of the reef the wave is very consistent; it’s common to have a 4-6 foot face on the initial drop. Rides of 50 yards are possible on good days when it’s connecting. This is a very uncrowded break, so except for having to share with our other guests, you can catch all the waves you want!

Downwind Paddle Board Cruising

Stand up paddle boards are also an excellent way to explore the atoll’s lagoon and even to visit other islands. Many paddlers have started taking long distance tours on paddle boards. We have a fleet of ‘cruiser’ boards in our collection, in addition to the boards commonly used in surf. The cruiser style is designed for longer paddling tours to cover more distance efficiently. Our newest activity is to paddle downwind to neighboring islands. We will then be picked up by our motor skiff for the ride back to Long Caye.

What Time Of Year Is Best For Paddle Boarding?

Good waves can be found all year, it depends on the weather out to sea which creates the swells that form the best waves. Winter and spring are windy seasons and Long Caye will usually see a good break of four feet or higher during this time, but occasionally the seas do flatten out for a few days at a time. December through March may be the best time to plan for waves, though we have had flat spells during these months as well. Last season, even the month of May had decent surf for 3 out of 4 weeks.

Please remember, there is no way to predict the surf for a specific date!

Paddle Board Gear

Paddle Boards:
10′, 11′, and 12′ Bic Soft Tops
10′ Whopper ASAP by Starboard
9’2″, 10′, and 10’6″, custom boards
Versa by Liquid Logic
10′ Mana by Naish

Cruisers (SUP Touring):
12’6” Pau Hana Crossfit
12’ Bombora by Jimmy Lewis
12’6″ Glide AST by Naish
11′ Wing by Bic

SUP Paddles:
Surftech
Aquabound
Werner
Kialoa

We offer beginning to advanced gear with sails rigged to go, and a land trainer. Our lagoon is an ideal place to learn and experts love the long reaches between islands. Steady winds are almost always present, and the 80-degree water means you windsurf in your bathing suit!

Perfect For Beginners And Experts

Our island sits astride the ring reef of Glover’s Reef, allowing easy access to both the waves and swells of the open sea and a launch from our Belizean beach into the sheltered waters just off our shore. The average wind speed is 10-20 mph nearly every day, so although some days will be spent on light-wind gear skimming across the flats of the lagoon, others will find you on a 4.5 sail or smaller blasting on the swells or trying your luck in the surf. The warm air and water temps mean you don’t need a wetsuit!

Our location on Long Caye at Glover’s Reef offers exceptional opportunities for windsurfing for both novices and experts (best high-wind season: Jan – Mar). We offer basic windsurfing instruction on a daily basis anytime the wind is right, and we employ a land trainer and a fleet of modern, wide beginner boards that allow anyone a rapid advancement in learning how to sail. Combined with the flat water conditions inside the lagoon, we have the perfect set-up to learn this exciting sport.

Conditions For Beginners

Although advanced sailors are on their own, our guides are proficient windsurfers and can assist novices on our land trainer and beginner boards. The calm waters of the lagoon are perfect for practicing first moves, and there is always enough wind for novices, making Long Caye an ideal location to learn the sport.

Conditions For Experts

Sailing inside the atoll is ideal for long, extended reaches, and it is easy to dodge the many patch reefs which are visible in the clear water. On a north wind (our strongest, commonly 4.0 conditions), it is possible to do a 6-mile reach encompassing all the islands of the atoll, while sailing over the turquoise sand bars behind the ring reef. There are no obstructions within the atoll, and the protected waters cut out the swell and chop so it is usually smooth water sailing.

Outside the atoll, open sea conditions can be found, with large swells and choppy surfaces. And, for those looking for surf action, we do have an excellent point break which is perfect for surf sailing when the wind is right.

Best Months For Windsurfing In Belize

The island commonly sees wind in the 10 -15 mph range (80% of the time), and 20 mph winds or better are seen about 30% of the time. Unlike other more accessible islands in Belize (Ambergris, Caye Caulker) there is very little boat traffic. And don’t forget, the water is 80 degrees!

Please remember, there is no way to predict the wind conditions for a specific date!

Windsurf Equipment

We have equipment from beginner to advanced. If you have extensive windsurfing experience, your level will be evaluated once you arrive on the island. All qualified windsurfing guests will be able to use the advanced equipment.

Our equipment consists of a core of late model gear with set-ups for light-wind cruising, mid-range screaming, and high-wind blasting; we have boards from 170 L to 80 L, and sails from 3.0 to 7.5.

Kid’s windsurfing gear:
Board with 1.0, 1.5, and 1.8 sails by Ezzy

Beginner boards:
Start by Starboard

Intermediate Boards:
140 L & 180 L- JP Funster
150 L & 170 L- Go by Starboard
133 L Starboard
105 L Flow by Mistral

Advanced Boards:
2012 120 L X-Cite Ride by JP
2012 140 L Fun Ride by JP
2012 85 L Freestyle Wave by JP
2012 102 L Freestyle Wave by JP
2010 105 L by Exocet
2010 84 L by Exocet

Windsurfing Sails:
Full range from 3.0 to 7.0: Ezzy, Naish, Sailworks, Northsails

Advanced Sails:
2016 Alpha 5.8 by Neil Pryde
2015 Fusion 6.1, 7.2 by Neil Pride
2015 Hellcat 6.2, 7.2 by Neil Pryde
2015 Fusion 6.7 by Neil Pryde
2010 Firefly 4.1, 4.5, 4.9 by Neil Pryde
2010 Zone 5.0 by Neil Pryde

Dry Land Trainer

Seat and Chest Harnesses:
Da Kine harnesses – Expert sailors should bring their own

Are There Wave Sailing Options?

Although Long Caye has an excellent surf break that is ideal for paddle boards and surf kayaks, it is not usually optimal for wind sports, although on a rare day it has been known to happen. Both windsurfers and kitesurfers prefer a ‘side shore’ wind direction to surf waves, which is when the wind blows parallel, or nearly so, to the wave break. This allows wind powered boards to power up across the break, which is the direction a board naturally takes on a wave while surfing. Long Caye’s wave, however, usually experiences an onshore wind, blowing in the same direction as the wave break, or an off shore wind, which blows against the break. Either of these directions do not present favorable conditions for wind powered surfing.

Bring your kitesurf gear and experience perfect conditions, or take kitesurf lessons at an additional charge. Lessons are offered December – March through our kitesurf school.

Kiteboarding Options At Adventure Island

Glover’s Reef, where our island is located, is one of the least crowded areas in the country and one of the top Belize vacation resorts. There’s no one out there kitesurfing except us! There are two options for kiteboarding at our island:

–If you are experienced, bring your own kites, harnesses, and assorted gear, and you can use our boards as part of your all-inclusive package. No other gear is available to rent.

–If you are a beginner, or don’t own your own gear, you will use our Belize kitesurf school. All kiteboarding gear is included with lessons. Advanced kitesurfing lessons are available December – March only.

Kiteboarding For Kids

There is a minimum age of 12 for kiteboarding lessons, which involves leaving the island by raft and traveling about 2 miles to our kitesurf area, which is a bit deeper. Please see the Kitesurfing Lessons page for more about availability of kitesurfing for kids between the ages of 12 and 15. The minimum age limit is due to kids needing to be of a certain size, height, and weight to be able to handle the gear.

It may be possible to take somewhat younger children under perfect conditions with a parent along to assist on a single-student lesson. This is up to the kitesurf instructor on site, and cannot be figured out in advance.

We Will Loan You A Board

By having a full selection of twin tip and directional boards available, kiters will only have to bring their kites, lines, and harnesses to avoid the hassle of traveling with boards.

Slickrock does not provide kites or other kitesurfing gear except for school use.

We recommend kiteboarders bring two sizes of kites, a 14-16m and a 9-12m to cover the average conditions found on the island.

Surf (directional) by Cabrinha:
2010 5’ 7” S-Quad
2010 6’ 3” Thruster

Twin tips, by Cabrinha:
2010 130×40, Caliber
2011 136, 144 Prodigy
2012 135, 145 Rival
2014 165 Spectrum
2016 141 Tronic

Twin tips, by Open Ocean:
2014 140 Mako

Kitesurfing Conditions

Our island is situated on the reef separating the open sea from the calm water lagoon of the atoll, allowing kiteboarders opportunities to enjoy both easy and rough water conditions.

We have an excellent beach launch site into the lagoon with plenty of space free from obstacles. In addition, our surf break is very kite friendly and immediately accessible off the front point of the island, and it normally sees a cross break wind that is perfect for setting up jumps.The open sea provides unlimited reaches in large swells, while the lagoon is perfect for high speed, smooth water runs. Although the lagoon has many patch reef obstacles, there is plenty of room to avoid them and we commonly run out on 3 mile reaches.

Best Months For Kiteboarding Belize

The island commonly sees wind in the 10 -15 mph range (80% of the time), and 20 mph winds or better are seen about 30% of the time. A 12 meter kite is probably one’s best bet for an all-round kite size for the island, although it is always nice to have a 9 meter kite option in case it is a high wind week (after March 1, bring a 14 meter instead of a 9 meter.) Unlike other more accessible islands in Belize (Ambergris, Caye Caulker) there is very little boat traffic. And don’t forget, the water is 80 degrees!

Please remember, there is no way to predict the surf or wind conditions for a specific date!

Wave Kiting

Although Long Caye has an excellent surf break that is ideal for paddle boards and surf kayaks, it is not usually optimal for wind sports. Both windsurfers and kitesurfers like a ‘side shore’ wind direction to surf waves, which is when the wind blows parallel, or nearly so, to the wave break. This allows wind powered boards to power up across the break, which is the direction a board naturally takes on a wave while surfing. Long Caye’s wave, however, usually experiences an onshore wind, blowing in the same direction as the wave break, or an off shore wind, which blows against the break. Either of these directions do not present favorable conditions for wind powered surfing.