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MAYAN RAINFOREST to REEF
LENGTH: 8 Days/7
Nights or 10 Days/9 Nights
DEPARTURE DATES: Our MAYAN RAINFOREST
to REEF FIELD COURSE is for GROUPS only. Each itinerary
is customized based on your group’s interests and
needs. Dates available upon request.
*An affordable extension to the famed MAYAN SITE
of TIKAL in eastern Guatemala is available upon request
before or after our MAYAN RAINFOREST to REEF FIELD
COURSE. Description and pricing are included below.
*FIELD COURSES for those with SPECIAL INTERESTS, such
as BIRDING and GARDEN GROUPS are available upon request.
Sample itineraries can be seen at http://www.birdingtours.org
(being updated), http://www.gardentours.org
(being updated) and also http://www.rainforestandreef.org.
Please contact Rainforest and Reef for details and
pricing by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
FIELD COURSE COST: Pricing is based
on group size. Please contact Rainforest and Reef
for details by e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
GROUP SIZE: 12-18 participants.
Note: GROUP LEADERS, please contact
Rainforest and Reef for details about STIPENDS, FREE
SPACE and GROUP RATES.
Includes: All INSTRUCTION and GUIDE
SERVICES; all MEALS and LODGING as stated in the itinerary;
all GROUND and WATER TRANSPORTATION within Belize;
all ENTRANCE FEES to NATIONAL PARKS and OTHER SITES.
Does Not Include: ROUND-TRIP INTERNATIONAL
AIRFARE to Belize; INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE
TAX (35.00USD per person); GRATUITIES and PERSONAL
ITEMS.
INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE: Rainforest
and Reef uses consolidators/wholesalers for all of
our GROUP and INDIVIDUAL airfares. We are therefore
able to offer the LOWEST RATES available. Please contact
Rainforest and Reef for details and pricing by e-mail:
info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
DESCRIPTION:
MARINE LOCATION:
Belize’s Great Barrier Reef, which runs the full length
of the coastline, is considered one of the richest
marine ecosystems on earth. The 185 mile long Reef
runs from 10 to 25 miles offshore. It is the longest
Reef system in the Caribbean and the second longest
in the World. There are over 225 Cayes along the Barrier
Reef, ranging from small, sand-fringed Islands perched
along the Reef’s edge, to larger Islands of partially
submerged Mangroves. Historically, ships avoided this
area of the Caribbean because of inaccurate charts
and the difficulties in navigating the shallow reef-strewn
waters. The waters of Belize’s Great Barrier Reef
teemin with brilliantly colored Fish, Marine Invertebrates
and Patch Reefs. Our travels will take us to the less
developed southern regions of the Reef, which remains
a near-pristine marine ecosystem and is unparalleled
in the Caribbean. While traveling by sea kayak along
the Barrier Reef, we will have a unique chance to
experience the remarkable abundance of life in this
tropical marine environment. Paddling from Caye to
Caye and over the many Patch Reefs, we will see fish
like Barracuda, Bonefish, Angel and Parrot Fish, Stingrays,
Conger, Moray Eels and Goatfish to name a few. Throughout
the region, there are nesting sites for Loggerhead,
Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles. They are often spotted
while kayaking or snorkeling. We will also have the
opportunity to sample the main staple for Belizean
fishermen, the Spiny Lobster (in season) and the Queen
Conch, a Caribbean delicacy.
MAINLAND LOCATION:
Broadleaf Tropical Moist Forest covers approximately
60% of Belize's wooded landscape. The year-round growing
season, plentiful precipitation during the rainy season
(May-November) and millennia of evolution has produced
a complex and tremendous diversity of plant life here.
A spongy mass of Roots, Fungi, Bacteria and Microorganisms
carpets the forest floor, which rapidly breaks down
organic matter. Each plant fulfills its own ecological
niche, as the continuous recycling of decayed plant
matter fuels new growth. With this rich nutrient cycle,
a diverse range of plant life, from the huge buttressed
Ceiba Tree to the smallest of Fungi thrives here.
High above the forest floor is the enchanting world
of the Broad-Leafed Canopy. The canopy may tower 100
feet or more above the ground, with massive hardwoods
like Santa Maria, Mahogany and Sapodilla Trees, which
in turn support many species of Epiphytes. This habitat
provides for a unique community of wildlife and many
species spend most of their lives here. Hiking or
paddling through the forest we will see Iguanas resting
on the branches of Fig Trees and possibly hear the
grunts and snuffling from a herd of Peccaries as they
pass close by. Large tropical birds are frequently
sighted, as well. We will see Toucans with their oversized
bills, flying ungainly from one fruiting tree to the
next. High overhead loud, raucous screams alerts us
to the presence of the Scarlet Macaw in a river valley.
Once in view, the size of these amazing birds, along
with the splendor of their red and blue plumage makes
them unmistakable. There are also multitudes of Falcons,
Hawks and Vultures scavenging and hunting from the
sun-lit upper canopy down to the mottled light of
the forest floor. Also, found in the forests of southern
Belizean are a number of unique mammals, the largest
being Belize's National Animal, the Baird's Tapir.
It is locally known as the “mountain cow”. This species
of Tapir is unique to the New World tropics with a
large hippopotamus-like body and a long snout, reminiscent
of the fabled aardvark. The Tapir, along with White-lipped
and Collared Peccaries, the Jaguar and Puma are some
of the larger mammals that inhabit the river valleys
and forests we will travel through.
THE SPECIAL PLACES WHERE WE WILL LEARN:
Here, we profile some of the most interesting and
dynamic regions of Belize from which you can build
your trip itinerary. These special places provide
a tremendous range of opportunities for learning and
adventure. Stunning natural beauty, rich cultural
heritage, an abundance of biology and ample opportunities
for sport and adventure are the characteristics we
are looking for when we choose trip locations. The
descriptions below are designed to help you choose
the regions and activities you want to incorporate
within your itinerary.
Tropical Education Center and Belize Zoo:
Most, if not all, of our educational trips in Belize
start or finish at the Tropical Education Center and
Belize Zoo. The Tropical Education Center and Zoo,
~1 hour southwest of Belize City, are situated in
the midst of a sub-tropical Pine Forest and Savannah
habitat. On the property we stay in forest cabañas
or at the dorm-style Research Station lodgings. Our
accommodations are unique in that they are situated
next to the world renowned Belize Zoo. Spread over
29 acres with large, natural wildlife enclosures organized
around the theme of "a walk through the habitats
of Belize" and trails leading into Pine-Lands,
Forest Edge, Rainforest, Wetlands and Riparian Forest
we have a superb opportunity to gain firsthand experience
of all things wild in Belize. All 5 species of Cats
native to Belize are found here.
The Southern Great Barrier Reef of Belize:
Belize’s Great Barrier Reef, which runs the full length
of the Belize coast, is considered one of the richest
tropical marine ecosystems on Earth. The Reef is 165
miles long and is located from 10-25 miles offshore
of the mainland. It is the longest continuous Reef
system in the Caribbean and the second longest in
the World. Along the Reef are over 200 Cayes (pronounced
"keys") which are low-lying Islands of sand
and coral fragments ranging from small sand fringed
Cayes perched along the Reef's edge to larger Islands
made up of Mangroves and partially submerged land.
Along the Barrier Reef we will travel by sea kayak,
snorkeling the rich Coral Reefs by day and camping
on uninhabited Cayes at night. These trips can be
operated either as a self-contained expedition or
with motor-boat support.
Glover’s Reef Atoll:
Thirty six miles offshore of the Belize mainland and
almost twenty miles beyond the Barrier Reef lay a
group of Islands cradled within a turquoise lagoon
and surrounded by a living Coral Reef. An elliptically
shaped Reef (20 miles long and 7 miles wide), Glover's
Reef Atoll is considered to be one of the richest
marine environments in the entire Caribbean. Within
Glover's Reef is a shallow lagoon which contains over
700 Patch Reefs. Within a mile of the eastern edge
of the Atoll, the Reef Wall drops precipitously 2600
feet to the sea-floor. The interaction between the
open waters of the Caribbean Sea and the sheltered
Lagoon of the atoll results in a fantastic diversity
and abundance of marine life. Our AdventureLearn Basecamp
is perched on the southern edge of the Atoll with
a dramatic view facing east over the main Reef crest
and the open Caribbean. Our wind and solar powered
Basecamp is outfitted with sea kayaks, windsurfers,
c-breathe diving apparatuses, scuba facilities along
with a telescope, resource library and small Wet Lab.
In 1993, the Atoll was declared a National Marine
Park, protecting 25% of the area from fishing and
harvesting. To continue the conservation efforts to
preserve this extraordinary environment, the site
was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in
1996. A portion of each parpticipant’s trip cost contributes
to the conservation and management of Glover’s Reef
Marine Reserve.
Mayan Ruins and Caves of Belize:
Thousands of years ago the Mayan people built great
Cities and Ceremonial Centers along the Caribbean
lowlands of Central America. Much of what we know
today about this remarkable civilization is due to
the painstaking work of Archaeologists who for over
a hundred years have been studying the physical remains
of the ancient Mayans. In Belize we can explore some
of the larger ruins including the cities of Lamanai,
Xunantunich, and Lubaantun as well as join in with
exciting new discoveries being made in underground
caves of Belize. With extensive limestone and karst
geology, the jungle-covered slopes of the Mayan Mountains
are riddled with caves and underground waterways.
For the Mayans, these caves were the entrances to
Xilbalba, a mythical underworld of untold fears where
Mayan priests and royalty ventured into Stygian darkness
to conduct secretive rituals. Here we will find carved
Slate Altars, Ceramic Bowls, Vases, Stone Tools and
even calcified Skeletons. Mayan Archaeology is only
part of the adventure we can experience in these caves.
We will also learn about cave formation and view fantastic
limestone formations, such as stalagmites and stalagtites,
towering draperies shimmering with crystals, rim-stone
dams and delicate cave pearls.
Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve:
When we travel into the Cockscomb Basin, we are confronted
with the abundant biology of the Tropical Moist Forest.
The Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Reserve encompasses 102,000
acres of Broadleaf Forest with many Rivers and Streams
draining the fertile basin. The Cockscomb is significant
in that it is the first habitat world-wide, designated
to protect the largest predator in the New World tropics….the
Jaguar. The area was chosen, not only for the belief
that it supports the highest concentrations of Jaguars
(felis onca) north of the Amazon Basin, but also for
the tremendous diversity and profusion of wildlife
and birds found here. The Mayan people play an integral
role in our investigation of tropical forest ecology
here. We stay as guests of the village of Maya Center
and throughout our exploration blend Science with
Traditional Knowledge under the tutelage of our exceptional
Mayan Bush Guides.
Lighthouse Reef Atoll:
On the furthest boundary of the Belize Reef System,
at World renowned Lighthouse Atoll, we have established
the first ever AdventureLearn Basecamp. Here, we sea
kayak, snorkel, scuba dive, learn about Reef Ecology,
feast on fresh caught seafood, as we experience one
of the most beautiful Island and Coral Reef settings
one can possibly imagine anywhere. Lighthouse Reef
Atoll, located 50 miles offshore of the Belize mainland,
shelters within the heart of its Lagoon the famed
400 foot deep "Blue Hole", perhaps one of
the most extraordinary underwater phenomenona in the
Western Hemisphere. Developed along the lines of our
hugely successful Glover's Reef Field Course, the
Lighthouse AdventureLearn Basecamp opens up, for the
first time, over 50 miles of wilderness Reefs And
Islands, as we explore by sea kayak. A one of a kind
underwater marine trail, superb snorkeling from our
beach, unique littoral forests and one of the best
dive locations in the world, all contribute to make
this the most exciting basecamp opportunity offered
in Belize. A portion of each participant’s Field Course
cost contributes to the conservation and management
of Lighthouse Reef Marine Reserve.
SAMPLE ITINERARIES:
The sample itineraries included below should be used
to give you an idea of the day-to-day options available
during a Rainforest and Reef Sea Kayaking Field Course
in Belize. Here we profile trip itineraries that include
many of the most popular activities one can find in
Belize. They are meant to serve as a GUIDE-LINE ONLY.
We will be pleased to CUSTOMIZE your itinerary both
in content and length to meet the interests/needs
of you and your group. As mentioned above, the pricing
for our MAYAN RAINFOREST to REEF FIELD COURSE depends
on GROUP SIZE and the CONTENT of your itinerary.
LENGTH: 8 Days/7 Nights
MEAL CODES: B-Breakfast,
L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Note: On the MEDICAL INFORMATION
FORM that you will be receiving shortly after registration,
please make us aware of any special meal requests
and/or dietary restrictions….vegan, vegetarian, etc.,
that you or members of your group may have. We will
be pleased to fulfill your requests/needs.
DAY 1 Arrive at the Belize International
airport and transfer to Belize Zoo and Tropical Education
Center. After settling into our quarters, we are led
by a senior zookeeper on a unique nocturnal tour of
the Belize Zoo. Organized around the theme of "a
walk through the habitats of Belize" with trails
leading into Pine-lands, the Forest Edge, Rainforest
and Wetlands we are able to see firsthand the remarkable
diversity of wildlife in the neo-tropics of Belize.
The Belize Zoo has gained an International reputation
for its outstanding Conservation and Education achievements
within Belize. Overnight Tropical Education Center.
D
DAY 2 Today we will explore and learn
about Biodiversity and Tropical Forest Ecology. Our
adventure will include paddling inflatable kayaks
on the Sibun River, hiking interpretive trails and
swimming in hidden pools. Overnight Tropical Education
Center. B L D
DAY 3 An early start this morning
as we travel west to the Maya Ruins of Xunantunich
(zoo-naan-too-nich) located near the western border
with Guatemala and the confluence of the Belize and
Mopan rivers. Xunantunich is a Late Classic Period
Ceremonial Center that is best known by its towering
temple called El Castillo. The view from the top of
the temple is spectacular, looking over three small
plazas, rolling forest and ranch lands. After our
discovery of the ancient Mayans we travel south through
the Mayan Mountains to the Caribbean Sea where we
connect with our motor-charter to the southern Barrier
Reef. Overnight Tropical Education Center. B
L D
DAYS 4-7 We will then travel from
the Rainforest to the Belize’s southern Great Barrier
Reef. Here our group will paddle and sail our kayaks
from Caye to Caye, experiencing one of the richest
Coral Reef environments in the entire Caribbean. Our
activities here include Snorkeling, Sea Kayaking,
and Fishing, along with Inter-tidal and Mangrove exploration.
There will also be daily Lectures on Coral Reef and
Fish Ecology. On our last night we will celebrate
the Culture of the Garifuna with a night of Songs,
Stories, Music and Traditional Dance. Overnights camping
along the souther Barrier Reef. B L D
(each night)
DAY 8 After breakfast we will transfer
by boat back to the coast and travel overland to the
airport. After boarding your flight for home, you
will marvel at how different the World looks to you
now. This will also be a time for reflection on the
experiences and learning that has taken place in such
a short time. B L
Notes: Itineraries may be reversed
to begin with Mainland activities and end with our
Marine Component.
Due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond
the control of Field Course Staff, certain activities
may be changed or done on different days in the best
interest of the group.
LENGTH: 10 Days/9 Nights
MEAL CODES: B-Breakfast,
L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Note: On the MEDICAL INFORMATION
FORM that you will be receiving shortly after registration,
please make us aware of any special meal requests
and/or dietary restrictions….vegan, vegetarian, etc.,
that you or members of your group may have. We will
be pleased to fulfill your requests/needs.
DAY 1 Arrive at the Belize International
airport and transfer to Belize Zoo and Tropical Education
Center. After settling into our quarters, we are led
by a senior zookeeper on a unique nocturnal tour of
the Belize Zoo. Organized around the theme of "a
walk through the habitats of Belize" with trails
leading into Pine-lands, the Forest Edge, Rainforest
and Wetlands we are able to see firsthand the remarkable
diversity of wildlife in the neo-tropics of Belize.
The Belize Zoo has gained an International reputation
for its outstanding Conservation and Education achievements
within Belize. Overnight Tropical Education Center.
D
DAY 2 An early start this morning,
as we travel west to the edge of the Mountain Pine
Ridge and begin our remarkable journey back through
time into the dark underworld of the Mayans. Our destination....Actun
Tunichil Muknal. The “Cave of the Stone” Sepulcher
(burial vault)” is reached after hiking a rainforest
trail and wading through waist deep creeks. Once at
the Cave entrance, we gear-up with helmets and waterproof
lights, wade into the clear, cool water that flows
out from the cave mouth. Inside the cave we follow
the creek bed to the entrance of a massive chamber
that holds an astonishing array of Mayan artifacts.
Our light beams illuminate over 80 Ceramic Bowls,
Vases, Stone Tools, carved Slate Altars and eerie
Calcified Skeletons of what are believed to be sacrificial
victims dating back centuries to the terminal Classic
Period of the Mayan civilization. To the ancient Mayans,
the caves were the entrances to Xilbalba (shil-balba),
a realm inhabited by spirits and powerful gods, an
underworld of untold fears where Mayan Shamans, in
supposition to the Gods, ventured into darkness to
conduct their secretive rituals. In our experience
the Cave of the Stone Sepulcher is one of the most
profound Archaeological experiences in the Americas.
Overnight Tropical Education Center. B L D
DAYS 3-5 Over the next few days we
will explore and learn about Biodiversity and Tropical
Rainforest Ecology. Our group will paddle inflatable
kayaks through the Rainforest on South Stann Creek,
hike interpretive trails and enjoy swimming in hidden
pools. Afternoon and evening activities focus on the
Mayan peoples through Stories, Traditional Foods,
Arts and Crafts. Overnights camping in the Rainforest
or at the Park Research Facilities. B L D
(each night)
DAYS 6-9 We will then travel from
the Rainforest to the Belize’s southern Great Barrier
Reef. Here our group will paddle and sail our kayaks
from Caye to Caye, experiencing one of the richest
Coral Reef environments in the entire Caribbean. Our
activities here include Snorkeling, Sea Kayaking,
and Fishing, along with Inter-Tidal and Mangrove exploration.
There will also be daily Lectures on Coral Reef and
Fish Ecology. On our last night we will celebrate
the Culture of the Garifuna with a night of Songs,
Stories, Music and Traditional Dance. Overnights camping
on the Cayes. B L D (each night)
DAY 10 After breakfast we will transfer
by boat back to the coast and travel overland to the
airport. After boarding your flight for home, you
will marvel at how different the World looks to you
now. This will also be a time for reflection on the
experiences and learning that has taken place in such
a short time. B L
Notes: Itineraries may be reversed
to begin with Mainland activities and end with our
Marine Component.
Due to weather conditions and circumstances beyond
the control of Field Course Staff, certain activities
may be changed or done on different days in the best
interest of the group.
EXTENSION: MAYAN SITE of TIKAL
Note: Overnight stays in Belize
may be required prior to and/or following our TIKAL
EXTENSION. If necessary, hotel reservations and transfers
will be arranged through Rainforest and Reef and are
not included in the cost.
LENGTH: 3 Days/2 Nights (overland)
or 2 Days/1 Night (flight Belize City-Flores, Guatemala-Belize
City)
AVAILABLE DATES: Before or after
any of our Field Courses in Belize.
COST:
3 Days/2 Nights: 485.00USD per person.
Based on a minimum of 10 full-paying participants.
One Group Leader FREE for the ground portion of our
TIKAL EXTENSION with 10 full-paying participants.
Cost is based on triple and quadruple occupancy. Double
and single occupancy available upon request, usually
at an extra cost.
2 Days/1 Night: 595.00USD per person.
Based on a minimum of 10 full-paying participants.
One Group Leader FREE for the ground portion of our
TIKAL EXTENSION with 10 full-paying participants.
Cost is based on triple and quadruple occupancy. Double
and single occupancy available upon request, usually
at an extra cost.
Note: For individuals, families
or groups of less than 10 full-paying participants,
please contact Rainforest and Reef for pricing by
e-mail: info@rainforestandreef.org
or call toll-free: 1.877.255.3721.
Includes: All INSTRUCTION and BI-LINGUAL
GUIDE SERVICES; all MEALS and LODGING as stated in
the itinerary; all GROUND TRANSPORTATION within Belize
and Guatemala; all ENTRANCE FEES to NATIONAL PARKS
and OTHER SITES.
Note: INTERNATIONAL AIRFARE Belize
City-Flores, Guatemala-Belize City is included in
our 2 Day/1 Night option.
Does Not Include: ROUND-TRIP INTERNATIONAL
AIRFARE to Belize; INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DEPARTURE
TAX (35.00USD per person); GRATUITIES and PERSONAL
ITEMS.
ITINERARY:
MEAL CODES: B-Breakfast,
L-Lunch, D-Dinner
DAY 1 BELIZE CITY-FLORES, GUATEMALA.
Early this morning, we will depart by bus, for Flores,
located in eastern Guatemala. Here will have time
to shop and visit the local market. Dinner and overnight
Flores. B L D
Note: Please advise Rainforest and
Reef if there are any non-U.S./non-Canadian citizens
in your group. If there are, they should check with
the nearest Guatemalan Embassy to see if they will
need a VISA to enter Guatemala.
DAY 2 MAYAN CITY OF TIKAL. Following
an early breakfast, we will depart for the famed Mayan
site of Tikal, located in the middle of Tikal National
Park and surrounded by more than 200 square miles
of El Petén jungle habitat. There is nothing quite
like the experience of Tikal, as we go back more than
2000 years in time. Walking towards the awe inspiring
Great Plaza, one sees the Temples of the Grand Jaguar
and Masks towering over the surrounding landscape,
you immediately feel the mystique that has made Tikal
a "must see destination". It is estimated
that it took over one million ancient Mayans, one
thousand years to build all the structures found here.
The central portion of Tikal alone, measures about
10 square miles. Here, the remains of 3000 buildings
are found including Temple lV, which at a height of
212 feet is the tallest ancient structure in the New
World. We will also visit the Lost World Complex,
a group of recently discovered structures from the
late Pre-Classic Period, older than Tikal itself.
Presently, only a small portion of Tikal has been
completely excavated. Following lunch, we will visit
the Tikal Museum, which houses some of the many Pre-Columbian
treasures found at Tikal. In addition to the spectacular
Mayan city found here, the area teems with howler
monkeys, almost 300 bird species and other wildlife.
Following a memorable day, we will transfer back to
our hotel for dinner and overnight. B L D
DAY 3 TIKAL-BELIZE CITY-DEPARTURE.
After breakfast this morning, we will pack up and
transfer from Tikal National Park to Belize’s Philip
S. W. Goldson International Airport for your return
flight home. B
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