A Voyage to Belize: Wildlife, Reefs, & Rivers

Description

Discover the tropical wonders of Belize on a voyage along the country’s remote southern coast. Using the National Geographic Quest as your base for exploration, snorkel the colorful corals of the Belize barrier reef, skirt the shores of white-sand islands by kayak and stand-up paddleboard, and swim in turquoise lagoons teeming with marine life. Head inland to explore lush jungles on foot; and cruise coastal rivers in Zodiacs, seeking out howler monkeys and toucans in the surrounding rain forest canopy.

The expedition experience can be tailored to the activity level you choose, whether it’s light or moderate or a little of both. Travelers should be in good health, comfortable walking or standing for extended periods of time, and able to get in and out of expedition landing craft. Our itinerary includes Zodiac cruises and easy hikes, with options each day for more physical activities such as longer hikes, kayaking, paddleboarding, snorkeling, or biking. Scuba diving is offered at additional cost.

Travel in excellent company
Explore under the sure guidance of an expedition leader, veteran naturalists, including a National Geographic certified photo instructor and an undersea specialist, plus a wellness specialist––the largest and most knowledgeable expedition team in the region. Their knowledge and passion for Belize and Tikal is the key to your once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Trip Name

A Voyage to Belize: Wildlife, Reefs, & Rivers

Days

Overview

Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Length: 72 metres Passenger Capacity: 100 guests (in 50 cabins) Built: 2017 Designed with decades of expedition experience in the region, National Geographic Quest more than comfortably accommodates 100 guests in 50 cabins. Her twin expedition craft landing platform allow us to rapidly get on and off the ship to take advantage of wildlife sightings and to ensure we maximize our time off the ship exploring. Created with a shallow draft, Quest draws only nine feet of water allowing her to sail into places where much larger ships cannot go. PUBLIC AREAS: Global gallery; fitness centre; LEXspa; lounge with full service bar and facilities for films and presentations; observation deck; mudroom with lockers for expedition gear, and a partially covered sundeck with chairs and tables. Our ‘open bridge’ provides guests an opportunity to meet our officers and captain and learn about navigation. MEALS: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Breakfast is a wide selection buffet and dinner is served family-style. Menu emphasises local fare. CABINS: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Some cabins have balconies. EXPEDITION EQUIPMENT: Expedition landing craft, a fleet of 24 kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, splashcam, underwater video camera, video microscope, snorkelling gear for all guests (where applicable). SPECIAL FEATURES: Guest internet access, elevator, National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and undersea specialist. WELLNESS: The vessel is staffed by a Wellness Specialist and features a gym with an elliptical machine, treadmill, exercycles, handweights and resistance bands. Treatments in the LEXspa are available by appointment.

Itinerary

Day 1 - DAY 1: Guatemala City, Guatemala/Puerto Barrios

Arrive in Guatemala City and connect with our charter flight to Puerto Barrios. Transfer to Puerto Santo Tomás, where we'll embark the National Geographic Quest. (D)

Day 2 - DAY 2: Belize Barrier Reef

Awake anchored in the northern cayes of the Mesoamerican Reef System, second only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef in terms of biodiversity. Enjoy a full day to further explore this dynamic ecosystem. Take to the water by kayak, or stand-up paddleboard, or don a mask and fins and dive into turquoise waters to encounter sea turtles, swirling schools of tropical fish, and harmless nurse sharks. For scuba divers, incredible dive opportunities abound (additional cost). (B,L,D)

Day 3 - DAY 3: Manatee or Sittee River/Belize Barrier Reef

At dawn, sail to the mouth of a coastal river and board Zodiacs to cruise inland through the Belizean jungle, in search of toucans, green iguanas, and myriad bird species. This afternoon, anchor near the center of the Belize Barrier Reef, home to idyllic sandy isles and vibrant corals, and enjoy more opportunities to explore by snorkel, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - DAY 4: Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary

Spend the morning discovering the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar reserve. Join our naturalists for a hike along one of the reserve’s many nature trails to photograph tropical plants, scan the treetops for winged wonders, and spot the tracks of tapirs and jungle cats. Learn about ongoing research into the behaviors of Belize's jaguars, then visit a Maya handicraft center. Tonight, an internationally acclaimed drumming group, The Garifuna Collective, joins us on board for a festive music performance. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - DAY 5: Belize Barrier Reef

Anchor close to the reef's southern cayes and go snorkeling, paddleboarding, diving, or kayaking inside its fringing reef. The shallow lagoon is dotted with hundreds of coral patches that harbor parrotfish, butterflyfish, octopus, and other marine species. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - DAY 6: Puerto Santo Tomás, Guatemala

Disembark in Puerto Santo Tomás and catch our charter flight to Guatemala City, where you’ll connect with your flight home. (B)

Day 7 - Please note:

All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.

Trip Dates

Start	End	Price From	Room Type

Inclusions

Set out from the state-of-the-art National Geographic Quest to kayak and paddleboard turquoise lagoons, and board Zodiacs to cruise wildlife-rich coastal rivers.
Spot turtles, rays, and rainbow-colored fish while snorkeling or diving the coral gardens of the Belize barrier reef.
Join a naturalist for a hike in Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world’s first jaguar reserve.
Enjoy a festive drumming performance from the internationally acclaimed Garifuna Collective.