Best of Belize: Snorkeling, Kayaking & Culture
Belize
Snorkeling, Kayaking, Wildlife, Culture
Make It Your Adventure
Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
The best of Belize! The Paradise Islands of Belize, located in the less developed southern region of Belize's Barrier Reef, remain close to a pristine marine ecosystem. We'll kayak through the shallow reef-strewn waters, snorkel to our hearts' content, go to sleep lulled by the sound of ocean waves breaking on the shore, and fill each day with lots of exercise, delicious food, and the kind of relaxation that stems from immersion in a very different world and way of life. Then it's back to inland Belize, exploring wildlife sanctuaries, lagoons, and the ancient Mayan ruin of Lamanai. We'll experience true Belizean culture and see how these ancient economies have transitioned to the current day world. This is the perfect vacation for anyone with some kayaking and snorkeling experience and has an appreciation for other cultures. Maximum group size: 12
Highlights
- Kayak in warm Caribbean waters over reefs full of diverse marine life
- Snorkel among reefs teeming with brightly colored fish
- Try your hand at kayak sailing or stand up paddle boarding
- Learn about the flora and fauna that inhabit this unspoiled marine environment
- Exploring inland Belize including world class birding, lagoons, waterways, and a Mayan ruin
- Becoming steeped in Belizean culture, current and past
- Stay in small, hospitable, locally run lodges
- Feast on freshly prepared Belizean cuisine
Inclusions
- A local Belizean guide for groups of 8 or less, a local guide and an AGC guide for groups more than 8
- A Belizean guide team for the inland portion of Belize
- Nine nights lodging as described, and meals from dinner on Day 1 through breakfast on the last day
- All snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle-boarding equipment
- Transportation within Belize including an airport pickup, if you arrive on Day 1, and an airport drop-off at the end of the trip.
What's not included: Travel to and from Belize, alcoholic beverages, snacks, guide gratuities, and travel insurance
Trip Info
This trip is designed for women in good condition who want an active vacation in a warm winter environment. Our days are full, although there is time to relax built into each one and also the option to opt out of some activities if you want more downtime. The kayaking and snorkeling on this trip are truly intertwined, as we will do most of our snorkeling from our kayaks. The most kayaking we do in one day is 6 miles, with 3-4 miles being more typical. You should have some prior kayaking experience and be comfortable on the water as you may be paddling in rough or windy conditions at times. Rating: 1 [2] [3] 4 5.
We'll kayak, snorkel, and swim in the warm waters of the Caribbean. The coral reefs of Belize are known for providing both an excellent snorkeling environment and (usually) tranquil water. Some kayak experience is required; your guides will teach you safety skills and basic boat handling and paddling strokes. The kayaks are primarily double kayaks, but you can talk with the guides while you are on the trip if you would like the opportunity to try a single kayak.
One night will be spent at the Tropical Education Center in Belize City, adjacent to the Belize Zoo. The Center has rustic forest cabanas, each on a raised platform, fully screened and equipped with two twin size beds complete with linens. There is a shared shower and restroom facility for the cabanas.
Two nights at Tobacco Caye Paradise is a small Belizean-style vacation property with six private "over the water" beach cabanas. All cabanas face north to the Belize Barrier Reef and have wonderful decks perched over turquoise tropical waters. Each deck has a hammock and an amazing view of the Caribbean Sea. The accommodations are clean, comfortable and charmingly rustic. Each cabana has a private bathroom and cool (unheated) rainwater-fed showers .
We'll spend three nights at IZE on South Water Caye. Seaside cabanas are nestled in the mangroves on the eastern shoreline of the island to take advantage of the cooling trade winds. They are so close to the water's edge that you will awaken to a view of the barrier reef and the sound of waves gently lapping the shore beneath you. The cabanas have private bathrooms with hot water showers.
The last three nights will be at Bird's Eye View Lodge, a family owned lodge in standard rooms with two double beds and en-suite bathrooms.
Trip Resources
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
4.7
(39 reviews)*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
So much -the beautiful locations, fun activities, and most of all the guides. Israel was amazing! His extensive knowledge and love of his country made this trip wonderful. I learned so much about Belize. Hayle kept things running smoothly. When weather prevented our planned water activities one morning she and Israel organized a demonstration on coconuts including hands on experiences. If there were any other glitches I was unaware of them.
The trip leaders (Hailey and Isrea)l were excellent! You could not find a better team!!!!
Having Israel as our local guide made this trip for us. I would rate it Excellent on him alone, but other factors on the trip knock it down to Very Good (just Fair in some regards). Israel was a wealth of knowledge on everything Belize- from history to culture to food to animals, fishes, plants, vegetation...everything. He is brilliant! He totally made this trip. Haley was a wonderful AGC guide and did everything right and what I have come to expect from AGC guides.
local guide Isreal and AGC guide Haley
Kayaking and snorkeling
Night snorkeling was very nice and we saw lots of activity including moving 🐙. No drama, everyone was flexible and friendly, including the guides.
Beatiful scenery, fantastic guides, and a fun mix of activities
In general- Great people, great guides, fun and interesting activities!
The guides ! The snorkeling, kayaking and the beautiful surroundings. Happy hours were a hoot.
I was able to disconnect from work, hang out in beautiful locations, see amazing wildlife, and meet some nice women. The snorkeling and kayaking were wonderful!
A great mixture of adventure and culture.
Our Belizean guides made the trip because of their knowledge and encouragement. The group was wonderful too!
It was a great group of women, and the guides were excellent! The trip had a lot of variety, and I enjoyed both the cultural aspects and the active portions.
A super group of compatable travelers and guides who paid attention to what we were interested in doing. The destination was beautiful and allowed me to see more of a country than just one spot.
This was an excellent trip for a first time solo traveler. We kayaked, snorkeled, fished, stand up paddled, stargazed, saw Mayan temples, went birding, and learned about the diverse culture and history of this beautiful country. All of this, while being gently organized by a local and AGC guide.
Beautiful diverse location
All of the adventures on the water and what the guides had to do to make it all happen.
lots of snorkelling excellent local guide (Wilson Ascencio) rekindled my love of birding
I enjoyed the locations, the guides, and meeting new people! The Islands and snorkeling were my favorite!
Lainie was a great guide. She really made an effort for each person; whether to help arrange transport for those that needed to leave early, or for finding a way to do something that may not have been on the agenda. She spent time with each person to get to know them. Our local guides were also excellent. Belize had been on my list of places for many years so having the opportunity to see many aspects of it was great. And with Lainie’s encouragement, I went SCUBA diving for the first time. With our local guide Ben, I was able to stand up and paddle on the SUP. With Wilson, becoming a bit of a birder. The people we met and traveled with also made it such a good trip.
The guides, both AGC and the local guide, are incredibly knowledgeable about birds and other wildlife.
The other women in the group and all the help and knowledge from our two guides.
The trek across the barrier reef from Tobacco Caye to South Water Caye was amazing. The islands had a good vibe too - it is very special to get away from tourists in the Caribbean. The women were great too. Everyone seemed to get along with each other.
I loved the cabana at Tobacco Caye. It felt like a tropical escape- like being a beach bum. The zoo was better than I expected. Having the howler monkeys waiting for our boat at the Mayan temple was a great touch.
Israel our guide
New challenges, amazing array of interesting women, helpful and inclusive Excellent guides all over
The variety of changes in location/accommodations with rotating roommates was great. Excellent guides; Alexa, Israel, Bryon
The gentle support provided by the guides. The chance to meet other women from around the states.
Spending 5 days on Belize’s Barrier Reef snorkeling during the day and at night.
The guides showing us fish. The guide identified 63 species of birds. Loved learning to sail a kayak.
The location is magical to experience. Activities are well planned and just challenging enough to give you a thrill and a sense of accomplishment when you DID it!
The knowledge and competency of the guides; our AGC guide Linda and our cultural guides, Israel and Clint.
The variety of activities that were provided each day, if you chose to participate, were well organized and presented in a very welcoming and non threatening way. The islands were beautiful, laid back and comfortable. The knowledge of the guide brought the trip to another level.
This trip went above and beyond expectations. With Linda (our AGC guide) and Israel and Clint (our Belizian guides) our days we’re full of activity options. The island accommodations were not crowded with tourists. Our guides gave us thoughtful guidance and kept us safe while trying out new water sports.
The location, the activities, and most of all the guides!
The local guides - they were the best!!
- I have never kayaked before, is this the right trip for me?
We suggest that you have at least some kayaking experience and feel comfortable in a boat. You should also feel comfortable with swimming and being in the water. Some of the snorkeling is out in the open water so being able to get in and out of your kayaks is important. - Where do we eat?
You will be eating all your meals at the family-run lodges where you're staying. - What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. - Are there bothersome insects?
Some women have noticed sand flies in the evening at dinnertime, especially when the typical breeze isn't blowing, but they haven't been at a level that impacts anyone's trip.
You Might Also Like
Fall in the Great Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Great Smokies are known for spectacular fall foliage and beautiful fall weather with crisp days and cool nights! The human history is fascinating and the diversity of flora and fauna is truly exceptional. And by mixing our hiking with a day of whitewater rafting, we experience the full spectrum of the extraordinary variety of ecosystems that exist here. Everyone gets her own private room in our huge luxury cabin on this trip.
7 Days
Book Now
Autumn on the Superior Hiking Trail
North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota
This trail combines a true sense of remoteness with an incredible diversity of terrain and dramatic scenery. At the height of fall colors we explore various sections of the trail, as well as different accommodations on the shores of Lake Superior. With the option of two hikes of different lengths each day, this is a perfect getaway vacation for women who enjoy fall hiking and hospitable lodging.
6 Days
Book Now
Waterfalls, Wildflowers, and Wineries
Dahlonega, GA
North Georgia is known for its gorgeous and rugged mountains, its towering waterfalls, and its ... wineries! Turns out the soil, climate, and elevation are not only great for hiking, they're also perfect for growing grapes for wine. So, on this four-day getaway, we combine hiking to waterfalls with opportunities to visit wineries, learn about wine, and sample some of the wonderful cuisine that can also be found here.
4 Days
Book Now
Slackpacking Maine
Millinocket, Maine
Have you been excited to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, but you just cannot see carrying a heavy pack and sleeping in shelters without a hot shower? We have the perfect solution- slackpacking! Hike a new section every day and get picked up at the end for a hot meal, shower, and a comfortable bed in a hostel. We've been doing the first section of the Appalachian Trail this way for years; so we decided we also needed to add the 100 mile wilderness in Maine - the last stretch of the Appalachian trail.
8 Days
Book Now
Wildflowers & Waterfalls: Exploring the Great Smokies
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN
Spring weather is notoriously fickle in the Great Smokies, but spring wildflowers are not! The diversity of flora and fauna is truly exceptional and your guides know where to find the best wildflowers and the most spectacular views. And by mixing our hiking with a day of whitewater rafting, we experience the full spectrum of the extraordinary variety of ecosystems that exist here. Everyone gets her own private room in our huge luxury cabin on this trip.
7 Days
Book Now
Slackpacking Vermont
Rutland, VT
The Appalachian Trail covers 150 miles in Vermont with about 100 miles of the trail coinciding with the Long Trail along the crest of the rugged Green Mountains. We'll cover approximately 50 miles, returning at the end of the day to our lodging near the small town of Plymouth, VT. You'll hike significant mileage on this trip - between 7.5 and 12 miles each day, which requires being in excellent physical condition.
7 Days
Book Now
Exploring the Big South Fork
Big South Fork, TN
Hidden away in a remote corner of Kentucky and Tennessee is a geologic and natural wonder. The Big South Fork, overseen by the National Park Service as a natural river and recreation area, is full of incredible features. Waterfalls, soaring cliffs, caves, sandstone arches, forests, rivers, and lakes abound in this truly unique and incredible place.
7 Days
Book Now
Hiking through History in Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park, VA
Shenandoah National Park straddles the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains as they run north and south for over 100 miles. Embracing rolling hills, quiet hollows, abrupt hillsides, and verdant forests, the Park contains over 450 miles of hiking trails - all absolutely gorgeous in every season. We spend our days hiking this beautiful park and ‘come home’ to warm beds and hot food at the end of every day. The human history of the park is also very interesting, and we'll learn about the people who inhabited this area for years as we hike through Shenandoah.
6 Days
Book Now
Slackpacking Massachusetts
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
Have you been dying to hike a section of the Appalachian Trail, but you just cannot see carrying a heavy pack and sleeping in shelters without a hot shower? We have the perfect solution- slackpacking! Hike a new section every day and get picked up at the end for a hot meal, shower, and a comfortable bed in a modern lodgings.
8 Days
Book Now
Elevated Hiking on the Superior Hiking Trail
North Shore of Lake Superior, Minnesota
This trail combines a true sense of remoteness with an incredible diversity of terrain and dramatic scenery. Together, we will explore various sections of the trail, as well as different accommodations on the shores of Lake Superior. With significant mileage covered each day, this is a perfect getaway vacation for women who enjoy long days of hiking and hospitable lodging.
7 Days
Book Now
