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Explore Belize

9 days, Belize City to Caye Caulker

Travellers snorkelling in the turquoise-blue Belize-an waters

The tiny Caribbean nation of Belize is packed full of wonders, from the world’s oldest known Maya sites to the second largest reef system on the planet. On this refreshing journey, immerse yourself in the world of the Maya on visits to mysterious jungle ruins, and glimpse the living traditions of this ancient civilization as you learn to make tortillas alongside local women. Gain insights into community conservation at a wildlife sanctuary founded by a National Geographic grantee, and culminate your adventure on the idyllic isle of Caye Caulker, perched along the pristine Belize Barrier Reef.

9 days - Belize City to Caye Caulker

From$1709USD
was $1899
Valid on Jul 20 2024
Trip Code: CBBNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on Apr 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24SDQ010CAM03

The tiny Caribbean nation of Belize is packed full of wonders, from the world’s oldest known Maya sites to the second largest reef system on the planet. On this refreshing journey, immerse yourself in the world of the Maya on visits to mysterious jungle ruins, and glimpse the living traditions of this ancient civilization as you learn to make tortillas alongside local women. Gain insights into community conservation at a wildlife sanctuary founded by a National Geographic grantee, and culminate your adventure on the idyllic isle of Caye Caulker, perched along the pristine Belize Barrier Reef.

Jane Goodall Collection

A selection of wildlife-focused tours endorsed by world renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall. Your purchase of a Jane Goodall Collection tour helps G Adventures support the Jane Goodall Institute’s mission to protect wildlife and empower local communities. Learn more.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 2 - Light

Light walking and hiking suitable for most fitness levels. Nothing too challenging.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16, avg 12

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

9 days - Belize City to Caye Caulker

From$1709USD
was $1899
Valid on Jul 20 2024
Trip Code: CBBNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on Apr 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24SDQ010CAM03

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 9

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Nothing compares with the sensation of swimming with whale sharks along this [Belize Barrier Reef System] vibrant reef.” National Geographic Emerging Explorer Alexandra Cousteau

Map of the route for Explore Belize

Places visited

Itinerary Notes

There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.

Itinerary

Day 1Belize City/Burrell Boom

Arrive at any time in Belize City and transfer to our hotel, located just near the village of Burrell Boom.

Day 2Burrell Boom

Enjoy a full day boat excursion to Lamanai—a Maya archaeological site dating from as early as 1,500 BC. Located on the wildlife-rich shores of the New River Lagoon and surrounded by dense jungle, Lamanai is one of the oldest known Maya sites in Central America. Explore the sprawling stone ruins with a local guide, and note the abundance of crocodile motifs at the site; the name “Lamanai” translates as “submerged crocodile” in the regional Maya dialect. Afterward, return to our hotel to relax at the patio bar and pool, or stroll the grounds to spot local wildlife.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3Burrell Boom/San Ignacio

This morning, we’ll visit the Community Baboon Sanctuary, co-founded by National Geographic Grantee Dr. Robert Horwich. This community-run organization is dedicated to the conservation of the Yucatán black howler monkey, locally called a baboon. Tour the sanctuary with a guide and observe these endangered monkeys in the wild. Then head to the village of San Antonio to visit a G Adventures–supported women's cooperative. Try your hand at throwing clay in the cooperative’s pottery workshop, and learn how to prepare corn tortillas using ancient Maya techniques. After lunch, continue to the bustling town of San Ignacio.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Tortilla-Making Lesson| Your G for Good Moment San Antonio Women's Cooperative visit with Pottery Class and Local Lunch| Your Journeys Highlight Moment Howler Monkey Experience

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 4San Ignacio

Discover the stunning Maya ruins of Xunantunich, built over a thousand years ago on a hilltop above the Mopan River. Climb the steps of El Castillo, the site’s tallest structure, to enjoy panoramic views of the jungle; and wander amid intricately carved stelae and well-preserved temples and palaces. Spend the afternoon at leisure, choosing from a variety of optional activities.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5San Ignacio

Enjoy a free day to explore San Ignacio and the surrounding countryside. Opt to descend into the spiritual “underworld” of the Maya at the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, an ancient burial site where mysterious rituals took place; visit a butterfly garden to see the brightly coloured local species; or go canoeing or tubing through the region’s breathtaking limestone caves.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6San Ignacio/Caye Caulker

Drive back towards the coast and catch a ferry to Caye Caulker—one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful cayes or islands—located along the Belize Barrier Reef. Settle into your hotel in this breezy island paradise and choose to take a walk through laid-back Caye Caulker village, home to a small but diverse community of local residents and expats.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Caye Caulker

Set out to explore the island on a leisurely bike tour with a local guide from the G Adventures–supported Bike with Purpose project. This afternoon, opt for a snorkelling excursion on the Belize Barrier Reef, the second largest barrier reef on the planet. Come face-to-face with sea turtles, manta rays, parrotfish, nurse sharks, and other fascinating creatures as you swim through the warm tropical waters. In the evening, choose to take a relaxing sunset cruise around the island.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your G for Good Moment Belize Bike with Purpose Tour| Your Discover Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Caye Caulker

Spend the day at leisure, opting to join a full-day sailing and snorkelling trip to Hol Chan Marine Reserve—the first marine reserve in Belize. Swim alongside schools of tropical fish in this spectacular natural aquarium and visit the Coral Gardens, perhaps spotting a manatee or two among the vibrant coral formations. Cap off the day with a cruise back to Caye Caulker just before sunset. Tonight, we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a popular local restaurant.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 9Caye Caulker

Depart at any time. Please book any departing flights no earlier than 11:30 am to ensure you will have ample time to travel to the airport.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Tortilla-Making Lesson, San Ignacio
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Howler Monkey Experience, San Ignacio
  • Your G for Good Moment: San Antonio Women's Cooperative visit with Pottery Class and Local Lunch, San Ignacio
  • Your G for Good Moment: Belize Bike with Purpose Tour, Caye Caulker
  • Your Discover Moment: San Ignacio
  • Your Discover Moment: Caye Caulker
  • Arrival transfer
  • Lamanai ruins guided tour
  • Xunantunich ruins guided excursion
  • Farewell dinner at a local Caye Caulker restaurant
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (8 nts).

Meals

8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner
Allow USD285-370 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, water taxi, walking.

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

Hol Chan Marine Reserve Day Tour - From $100.00

Explore the oldest marine reserve in Belize with a full-day tour filled with snorkelling and sightseeing. The tour includes stops at three popular snorkelling destinations – the Hol Chan Channel, Shark and Ray Alley, and Coral Gardens. Stop at two additional viewing spots to marvel at tarpon and manatees. Expect to see an abundance of angelfish, blue-stripped grunts, schoolmaster snappers, and hundreds of other varieties of species in their natural surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled to see green moray eels poking out from their tiny caves. Tour Includes: snorkeling mask, fins/flippers, lunch, assortment of tropical fruit, water, and other snacks.

My Own Room - From $979.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Explore Belize

| 9 days - Belize City to Caye Caulker - from $1709 USD