This is a sample itinerary showing possible destinations in the Northern Islands
DAY 1 ST GEORGE’S CAYE
Steeped in history, St George’s Caye was the first capital of the British settlement in Belize. The island is principally home to private families, however it is possible to use this as a base for some great snorkelling, scuba diving and fishing. On the island there is a very special aquarium in the boathouse at the St Georges Caye Lodge. Your tour guide is the resort owner’s son Karly Ricky Bischof, aged 12. Karly is a budding marine biologist and if his impressive little aquarium and his knowledge of the 100-plus fish inside is any indication, he’s going to be a good one.
DAY 2 CAYE CAULKER
Sail to the sleepy island of Caye Caulker, fish along the way and enjoy a swim on arrival. ‘No shirt, no shoes, no problem’ is the motto of this island and typifies the vibe. The white sandy beaches, ocean breezes, fresh seafood, azure waters and a fantastic barrier reef on its doorstep make it a perfect place to relax and unwind. A trip to Caye Caulker is not complete without a late afternoon Belikin beer or a rum punch at the Lazy Lizard bar at ‘The Split’ – a lively swimming area, which separates the two islands of Caye Caulker.
DAY 3 HOL CHAN MARINE RESERVE
Enjoy a morning of snorkelling at Hol Chan Marine Reserve, swimming amongst beautiful shoals of tropical fish, turtles, eagle rays, stingrays, moray eels and grouper. Follow this with a dip at Shark Ray Alley, a site where local fishermen used to clean their catch, which attracts more carnivorous species such as big southern stingrays and nurse sharks!
DAY 4 AMBERGRIS CAYE
Ambergris Caye is the most northerly Caye in Belize and touches the Yucatan peninsular of Mexico. Lying only a quarter of a mile from the barrier reef, it’s one of the best locations in the world for scuba diving, snorkeling and sports fishing. The main town San Pedro has the broadest range of tourist amenities in Belize, including art and craft shops, boutique hotels, fine dining establishments and plenty of fun local eateries to explore.
DAY 5 SWALLOW CAYE
Swallow Caye has been declared a wildlife sanctuary to protect the manatees and other marine life that call it home. Manatees, which are also known as ‘sea cows’ are gentle, slow moving, plant-eating herbivores and their closest living relatives are elephants and aardvarks. They can grow over 13 feet in length and weigh up to 3,500 pounds. Despite being an endangered species, manatees are present in the waters of Belize and can be seen throughout the year. (Please note it is not possible to swim with the Manatees).
DAY 6 GOFF’S CAYE
Goff’s Caye is one of our favorite islands because it reminds us why postcards were invented. The 2 acre island sits right on the barrier reef so you can snorkel straight from the shore, or simply relax in the water on the sandbar with an icy cold Belikin beer. Dolphins frequent the waters and we’ve on occasions spotted a manatee, amongst the other kaleidoscope of marine life.
DAY 7 EXPLORE BELIZE ISLANDS: RETURN TO BELIZE CITY
Enjoy breakfast under sail as we make our way back to Belize City for a late morning departure. This is a wonderful time of the morning for dolphin watching and trolling for fish.
