Maya, Whale Sharks, and SUP Adventures in Southern Belize

(1 customer review)

$3,700 – $5,500

Experience Living Maya and Garifuna Culture, snorkel with sea turtles, and stand up paddle board or kayak on this amazing week-long journey to Belize.

Trip Length: 8 Days
Destination: Belize
Lodging: First Class Jungle Lodge and Beachside Bungalows
Activities: Wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, snorkeling, Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP)

WHY THIS TRIP
Many trips visit the cayes of Belize, and some even explore Mayan ruins, caves, and wildlife on the mainland. But very few trips do all of that plus focus on the incredible living culture of Belize that is best seen in the southern part of the country. The Maya, Whale Sharks, and SUP Adventures in Southern Belize trip does it all in one fantastic week in Belize.

TRIP DESCRIPTION
This innovative trip to explore Southern Belize starts with three days at the Lodge at Big Falls on the southern Belize mainland where you learn the ways of the Maya and Garifuna peoples, while also exploring Mayan ruins, beautiful waterfalls, and fantastic birdlife.

After leaving the Lodge at Big Falls, you will enjoy an amazing day of viewing crocodiles, howler monkeys, and other wildlife on a boat trip up the Monkey River before leaving the mainland and heading to idyllic Hatchet Caye off the coast of Placencia and in the middle of the world’s second largest barrier reef.

At Hatchet Caye you will have to relax on the beach and play in the crystal-clear sea right in front of your cabana, but you will also snorkel and SUP at Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, where you are almost certain to see loggerhead turtles, southern stingrays, spotted eagle rays and gentle nurse sharks.

The final full day at Hatchet Caye you will head to Glovers Reef for a SUP and snorkel adventure, including the chance to snorkel with Whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea. Whale sharks, which can grow to 40 feet long, congregate in the area after the full moon in April, May, and June, and swimming with such large, curious, gentle creatures is a thrill that won’t quickly be forgotten.

This trip is offered outside of whale shark season as well, and it is still an amazing journey to Belize, with time spent paddling and snorkeling with turtles, rays, and nurse sharks instead of whale sharks.

LOCAL OPERATOR: THE LODGE AT BIG FALLS & HATCHET CAYE

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary


DAY 1: Belize Arrival

You arrive at Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City (BZE) and transfer to Tropic Air for the one-hour flight to the coastal fishing town of Punta Gorda. Here you will be met and transferred 20 miles to your lodging. On arrival you enjoy a welcome rum cocktail, receive an orientation to the lodge and settle into your cabana before dinner. Depending on time, you may get a chance to go for a dip in the river around the property, enjoy the pool or play badminton and table tennis before dinner. You overnight at the Lodge at Big Falls. (Dinner)

DAY 2: Bird Walk, Lubaantun, Rio Blanco National Park, Living Maya Craft Experience

You begin the day with an optional early-morning bird walk around the property gardens where you can spot colorful toucans, trogons, parrots, parakeets and many other exotic species. Your guide Steven Choco is an Audubon-trained birding guide whose down-to-earth manner and passion for the birds of Belize make this walk enjoyable for everyone. After breakfast, you explore Lubaantun, the Mayan archaeological site where the crystal skull was discovered in 1924 by Anna Mitchell-Hedges who, as a teenager, was accompanying her father Frederick, an adventurer explorer. This magical site is beautifully preserved with a wonderful ambiance and few other travelers.

From here, you drive through the Mayan villages of San Antonio and Santa Cruz to the Rio Blanco National Park. Here, you will enjoy a picnic lunch, go for a swim and jump from the rock cliff into the deep pool below the waterfall. You then trek the jungle trail that loops through the surrounding forest, keeping an eye out for small mammals and birds.

On your return to Big Falls you will visit the Chiac family who demonstrate their traditional weaving craft using palm leaf and other natural fibers collected from the rainforest. Then it’s your turn to try your hand at weaving hammocks, baskets, fans and bags. Juan Chiac, who collects the natural fibers from the rainforest, will be on hand to show you how this is done. http://belizeexpertise.wordpress.com/2012/05/13/craft-making-in-big-falls/  You return to the lodge in the afternoon for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3: Market Tour, Mayan Cooking Class, Garifuna Drumming

A morning trip to Punta Gorda on market day gives you the opportunity to experience the fruit, vegetable and fish markets. You will see an array of seasonal fruit and vegetables and can watch the fishermen unloading their catch and buy fresh from the traders. Cotton Tree chocolate factory offers free tours around their small production facility. Guatemalan traders offer handicrafts and the Fajina women’s co-operative displays locally made Mayan crafts.

Your choice between two cooking experiences:

Anita Cal will be your hostess for the culinary version of the Living Maya Experience: http://belizeexpertise.wordpress.com/2012/05/27/the-way-we-lived-then/.  Anita will take you around the market and introduce you to many new and exotic fruits and vegetables. While it varies from season to season you may see cassava, yams and coco yams. Okra and calaloo are local green vegetables; the calaloo shares many properties with spinach. While in the market you and Anita will buy all the ingredients you need for making a delicious lunch. Back at the home of Anita you will roll up your sleeves and help prepare lunch.

Ixcacao Mayan Chocolate is the only Maya chocolatier in Toledo and one of only two in Belize. Visits include a tour of the cacao grove and a demonstration of and a chance to practice basic chocolate making. You have lunch with a chocolate themed main course (vegetarians catered for).

Your choice between two afternoon activities:

In the afternoon, you head down to the Warasa Garifuna Drumming school near Punta Gorda where you will meet Ray McDonald who will introduce you to Garifuna drumming and teach you some of the basic rhythms on his drums made from cedar and stretched deerskin.

The Lodge at Big Falls has more than half a mile of river frontage winding around the property. You can tube this stretch and stop at the creek that is fed by a hot spring on the hillside. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4: Monkey River, Transfer to Ray Caye

You leave the lodge this morning and head for the coast. On the way you will visit Monkey River and cruise upstream with Percy Gordon, the “King of the Howlers.” You will see basking crocodiles and Black Howler monkeys, eat termites and drink water from a forest vine. After lunch in Monkey River town you will leave the river and travel north to encounter manatees among the cayes and turtle grasses that line the coast.  The same boat guide will then take you a few miles further north and drop you at the Hatchet Caye dock from where you will be transferred to Ray Caye Resort, about a 45-minute journey by boat. You overnight at Ray Caye Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5: Free Day at Ray Caye

Experience the Caribbean the way nature intended with just you, a pristine sand beach and the crystal-clear sea. Ray Caye is a Belize private island that offers an unspoiled environment for an authentic and unforgettable tropical experience. Located on the edge of the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes Marine Reserve, Ray Caye is literally a stone throw away from the Great Barrier Reef making it an ideal location for world class snorkeling, fishing and diving trips.

Another treat for guests on the island is night snorkeling. The lights at the end of the pier attract fish, rays, squid, turtles and various other marine life. You can grab snorkeling gear and experience the thrill of night snorkeling right off the resort pier.

A full complement of snorkel gear can also be provided for those wanting an independent snorkeling experience. The coral formations around the island are so full of life that many people spend the entire time right outside their cabana deck.

With nearly a mile of private shoreline and a limited number of guests at any time, it is easy to play, explore and relax in Belize island-style. You’re free to explore the island at your leisure. Practice your SUP skills in the tranquil water around the island, go snorkeling, try your hand at sailing a Hobie catamaran, book a diving or fishing trip or just relax in your hammock. It’s all up to you. You overnight at Ray Caye Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6: Snorkel with Loggerhead Turtles & Free Day

About 10 mins away from Ray Caye in the Gladden Spit marine reserve, Loggerhead turtles (some as old as 150 years), rough-tail stingrays, southern stingrays, spotted eagle rays and nurse sharks congregate. For decades these animals visit this particular site to feed on the leftovers from local fishermen who anchor and clean their catch in the area. The marine life has become so accustomed to getting treats this way that they come ‘running’ whenever they hear a boat. Snorkeling here is amazing and the water is shallow, about 8 – 12 ft deep. The rest of the day you are free to explore on your own. You overnight at Hatchet Caye Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7: Free Day at Ray Caye

You’re free to explore the island at your leisure. Practice your SUP skills in the tranquil water around the island, go snorkeling, try your hand at sailing a Hobie catamaran, book a diving or fishing trip or just relax in your hammock. It’s all up to you. You overnight at Ray Caye Resort. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8: Departure

After breakfast, you will return to Placencia airport for your short flight to Belize City International for your flights home. (Breakfast)

travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip: 

This trip begins with your arrival at the Belize City International Airport.

This trip ends at the Belize City International Airport in time to catch your departing international flight.

Please discuss your travel plans with us before booking your international flights so that we can make sure your international arrival and departure times match up with your domestic flights within Belize.

International flights are not included, but can easily be booked through our travel partner Exito, who specializes in international flights all over Latin America. To request a quote, you can email them at detour@exitotravel.com.

Trip Start: This trip starts with your arrival in Belize City International Airport. International flights are not included, but can be booked through our travel partners, Exito.

Trip End: This trip ends at the Belize City International Airport in time for your departing flight. International flights are not included, but can be booked through our travel partners, Exito.

Complete Your Trip

This is a complete package for Belize, and you really will see everything that makes Belize amazing. This trip really showcases the best of Belize: the extraordinary Mayan and Garifuna cultures, wildlife viewing, beach time, and fantastic snorkeling and SUPing on the outer barrier reef area.

If you have more time to explore, we recommend heading to the nearby countries of Guatemala, the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, or Honduras. We can help you with these countries as well.

 

Prices & Dates

2021 PRICES:

For 2021 pricing, please inquire using the “I am Interested” button above or by calling 1-866-386-4168.

2022 PRICES: 
Trip Dates: 

This trip can start on any day, pending availability.

Family Trip Dates: 

None, but this is a great trip for families!

 

 

 

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED: 
  • Accommodation at Lodge at Big Falls riverside cabana
  • All meals as indicated
  • Tours with knowledgeable local guides
  • FREE Amenities at Lodge at Big Falls include  nature trails, swimming pool, use of mountain bikes, inner tubes, kayaks and table tennis
  • All necessary transportation as described in the itinerary (except domestic flights, these will be added to your overall trip costs)
  • Accommodation in an oceanfront cabana
  • One snorkel to the Turtle spot (excl. USD 10,00 p.p. marine park fee)
  • One snorkel to outer reef or whale shark (seasonal) (excl. USD 10,00 – 15,00 p.p. marine park fee) *
  • Use of all non-motorized water toys (SUPs, kayaks, snorkels, mask, fins, etc)

* Please note that snorkeling tours to whale shark zone require a minimum amount of persons, in case the group is too small we could guarantee a day of snorkeling at the reef.

NOT INCLUDED: 
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • International Flights
  • Domestic Flights (Belize City to Punta Gorda, and Placencia to Belize City) – will be quoted for, added to your pricing summary, and booked for you.
  • Tips for guides and lodge staff
  • Departure Tax US$35 per person airport departure tax (subject to change)
  • Personal or medical expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Services not indicated
  • Additional tours at Hatchet Caye

Accommodations

Lodge at Big Falls

The spacious cabanas have been designed to achieve a living space which subtly merges the internal and external environments. The rooms are individual cottage style cabanas (sleeping up to four persons) with a full en-suite bathroom and shower providing hot and cold water.  These cabanas are thatched with bay-leaf palm, a traditional Belizean thatching material.

Ray Caye

In our oceanfront cabanas, you’ll experience the tranquility and luxury of being on a secluded island in Belize. As you immerse yourself in swaying palm trees, crystal clear water and sunshine, your cares will slip away. With only a few cabanas on the island it will feel like your own private get-away.

Hatchet Caye Beachfront Cabana, Belize
Beachfront Cabana, Interior
beachfront-cabana
Beachfront Cabana, Porch

 

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: Double, Triple, Single

 

1 review for Maya, Whale Sharks, and SUP Adventures in Southern Belize

  1. J. Smith –

    We couldn’t have imagined a better trip for our honeymoon. Upon our arrival at the Lodge at Big Falls we were greeted by our guide Steven who is very knowledgeable about the area’s natural history. He was more than eager to tell us about all of the bird species and flora and fauna in the area. Having been a naturalist myself, I was very impressed with his breadth of knowledge and his excitement to share it. Our bungalow was beautiful, clean, and relaxing. At night, we wined and dined in their romantic dining room and watched the fireflies and geckos. During the day, our outings were fabulous! Upon our arrival at Hatchet Caye, we were greeted with a delicious tropical drink. We ended up trying practically every drink on their menu because they were all made with fresh tropical fruit and were great recipes. They were the best margarita’s we’ve ever had 🙂 The lodging on the island is only 3 years old so the accommodations were very nice and perfect for a relaxing honeymoon. We SUP’ed around the island, took the catamaran out, snorkeled, and soaked up the sun. The snorkeling is amazing—crystal waters, beautiful and healthy brain corals, and vibrant fish. Seeing the needle fish and the christmas tree anemones were my favorite. I think my husband enjoyed seeing the spotted eagle rays the most. The way this trip was planned was perfect. Inland first for 2 days and then to the island for 3. I recommend this trip to anyone who likes experience a little bit of everything on trips—nature, easy adventure, culture, and relaxation. I even think kids would love this trip. Tips: If you can, try to make it there in January or February (but other months work as well) and ask about the possibility of swimming in caves at the Lodge.

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