Belize Marine Wildlife

Description:

On this 7-day expedition we visit Lighthouse Reef and Turneffe Atoll both known for their abundance of marine wildlife. We then venture towards the coast exploring the environs of the Drowned Caye area known for its manatee and sea turtle populations.

We begin with four days at the Blackbird Caye Oceanic Society Field Station enjoying daily snorkeling and natural history excursions. Over 25 species of birds are found around the island including the magnificent osprey. The surrounding habitat serves as a feeding and resting area for dolphins, which we often spot enroute to our snorkeling sites. A highlight will be a full day excursion to Lighthouse Reef, where we snorkel along the coral perimeter of the Blue Hole, made famous by Jacques Cousteau.

Half Moon Caye is a natural monument created primarily to protect the thousands of nesting Red-footed Boobies. Floating along the inner coral rim of the Blue Hole, you can enjoy a panoramic view of this natural wonder while the outer rim reveals a profusion of shallow sea fans and colorful fish communities.

We continue our adventure at coastal St. George's Caye, where we spend two days observing manatees at the Swallow Caye Manatee Sanctuary, and patroling for hawksbill sea turtles.  This is the best place in Belize to observe manatees from a boat in clear water. During this portion of our marine wildlife adventure, we are accompanied by marine biologists from the St. George Caye Research Station, and are guests at their facility.

The Blackbird Field Station offers comfortable beachfront cabanas, each with an open porch to the sea, in double occupancy rooms with private baths.

Itinerary:

Day 1:
Belize City/Blackbird Caye. Arrive in Belize City and 90-minute boat transfer to Blackbird Caye, Turneffe Atoll.

Day 2 thru 4:
Snorkeling and natural history exploration. One day dedicated to visiting Lighthouse Reef.

Day 5:
Transfer by boat (45-minutes) to the Drowned Caye Area. Settle in at st. George's Caye.   Afternoon snorkel along the MesoAmerican barrier reef.

Day 6 and 7:
Visit Swallow Caye Manatee Sanctuary, and snorkel the reef searching for hawksbill turtles.

Day 8:
St. George's Caye/Belize City. Return to Belize City and fly home

Optional Extensions: