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central america: belize

Ancient Sites, Rain Forests & Coral Reefs

Day 1 - Embark Belize City

Fly to Belize City, the capital of Belize. Upon arrival, transfer to the pier to embark the Yorktown and begin your Belize cruise. Your first overnight will be aboard, docked in port.

Accommodations: Yorktown
Included Meals: dinner

Day 2 - Crawl Caye

Sail from Belize City in the morning to navigate through the inside passage of Belize’s Barrier Reef, one of the largest in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Anchor near Crawl Caye, whose crystal-clear waters afford memorable swimming and snorkeling.

Accommodations: Yorktown
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 - Big Creek & Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

From Big Creek, drive to one of Belize’s most alluring places, the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, a dense tropical rain forest set against the jagged peaks of the Maya Mountains. Clear streams and rivers traverse this protected sanctuary that is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including tapir, armadillo, anteater, jaguar and more than 290 species of birds. Look for the endangered scarlet macaw, the keel-billed toucan and the great curassow, among other rare species. There is also a large range of plants, including orchids, air plants and giant tree ferns.

Accommodations: Yorktown
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Days 4-5 - Santo Tomas de Castilla, Guatemala

During your days in Guatemala’s port of Santo Tomas de Castilla, nestled at the head of a spacious forested bay, you will have the opportunity to explore the region’s magnificent sites, including the ancient Maya site of Quirigua, famous for its enormous and well-preserved stone stelae with their intricate carvings; the area around Rio Dulce; a rain forest reserve; and the waterside village of San Felipe, dominated by its fortress which was built by the Spanish in the 17th century. Optionally, you may instead take an overnight excursion to Copan. With its imposing temples and other monuments, Copan is one of the most impressive ancient Maya sites.

Accommodations: Yorktown
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 - Punta Gorda, Lubaantun, Nim Li Punit & Snake Cayes

Sail to Punta Gorda, a small Belizean town set on cliffs above the sea. Drive inland to explore two rarely visited ancient Maya sites, Lubaantun and Nim Li Punit. Located on a high ridge, Lubaantun was a major Maya center that flourished around 700 A.D. The site includes five plazas flanked by buildings and ball courts. Nearby, Nim Li Punit was the ceremonial and religious center of the region, and it is known for its impressive stelae. Return to Punta Gorda to reboard Yorktown. Over lunch aboard, sail to the Snake Cayes for swimming and snorkeling.

Accommodations: Yorktown
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 - Half Moon Caye, Lighthouse Reef & the Great Blue Hole

Located 50 miles from the coast, Lighthouse Reef is an atoll that includes incomparable natural wonders. Land at Half Moon Caye, at the southern fringe of the reef, which is the breeding ground of the endangered red-footed boobies, as well as other birds, including magnificent frigates, mangrove warblers and ospreys. After exploring this idyllic spot and viewing the bird colonies, board local boats for the short trip to the celebrated Great Blue Hole, a large circular formation with its incredible blue and black hues. Part of an underwater national park, the hole is surrounded by a 1,000-foot coral rim that rises to the lagoon’s surface. Back in Half Moon Caye, you will have the opportunity to swim and snorkel. Late in the afternoon, sail to Belize City, arriving in the evening. Spend the last night of this Belize small ship cruise aboard the Yorktown, docked in port.

Accommodations: Yorktown
Included Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 - Disembark Belize City

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for the return flight home.

Accommodations: n/a
Included Meals: breakfast

For additional information and reservations, please contact us:

800-728-2875 | 530-583-1775 | fax 530-583-1711 | travel@AdventureSmithExplorations.com