  |
|
|||||||||||||||
| About IZE | Tours & Packages | South Water Caye | Blue Creek Rainforest Lodge | Summer 2011 | Request Info |
|
|||||||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||
| Tours & Packages > Belize Family Vacation ...................................................................................... Belize Family Vacation Looking for an exciting Caribbean family vacation? Join IZE Belize as we explore the rainforest jungles and tropical island oasis of Belize. Bring the kids and get set for the eco-adventure of a lifetime! Day 1: Travel to Blue CreekAfter arriving at Goldson International Airport, you'll board an inland flight to Punta Gorda, the heart of the isolated Toledo District. One of our representatives will meet you at the airstrip in Punta Gorda and take you by van to the remote village of Blue Creek. The trailhead to IZE's Blue Creek Rainforest Preserve is in the village of Blue Creek. From there you will hike approximately 1/3 mile through the jungle to arrive at IZE's Blue Creek Rainforest Lodge. At the rainforest preserve you will be staying in a simple rustic cabin located along the banks of Blue Creek. IZE Belize cabins are screened and have bunk beds, electricity, and fans. Bathrooms are located in the main lodge, where you'll also find the dining hall and library. After having a chance to get settled, you will enjoy a meal prepared by local Mayan women. If you and the kids have the energy, you may take a guided walk to look for nocturnal animals. (D) Days 2 & 3: Explore the Belize rainforest Each day at Blue Creek Rainforest Preserve you will have a chance to learn about the jungles of Belize with your children, view area wildlife, and explore fascinating sites. You may choose to wake to the melodic sounds of the nightingale wren at 5:30 a.m., and head out at 6:00 to enjoy the dynamic diversity of birds with a local guide – or sleep in. In the evenings you can go on a walk to view nocturnal wildlife. In addition, you can choose from the following daily activities: • Ethnobotany Walk A centuries-old history of medicinal and other useful plants of the rainforest will be presented on this walk. Learn about plants that modern medicine is using to fight diseases such as cancer and find out how to survive in the rainforest just using the plants available to you. • Hokeb Ha Cave Hike Spend time in one of the most spectacular limestone caves in Belize. The name of this cave means "where the water enters the earth." Stalactites hang from the ceiling, and colonies of bats dwell in the darkest crevices. Be on the lookout for Mayan artifacts over 1000 years old. Be sure to take along your waterproof camera and headlamp. • Iguana Hike Swim and hike along the river as you look for iguanas in the overhanging trees. You'll want to wear your water socks and take along your diving mask. • Rugged Jungle Climb Take along your water bottle and insect repellent as up to six people enjoy this 4 hour expedition. This advanced rainforest hike is for the most physically fit and is not recommended for very young children. • Monkey Hike Howler monkeys, known locally as baboons, are out there - but they may be a 3 or 4 hour hike away from the lodge! Insect spray, water bottle, and camera are a must. In addition to having the chance to experience the incredible rainforest eco-system, you and your family will have the opportunity to learn about the Mayan culture by exploring Blue Creek Village and meeting its residents. You will see what it is like to live in a remote village and learn how Mayan families survive in today’s world while maintaining their unique cultural heritage. (B, L, D) Day 4: South Water Caye Once you hike back down the 1/3 mile trail to Blue Creek village, you'll re-board the van for the ride back to Punta Gorda, where you'll catch a flight to Dangriga. On the way we'll stop at the Mayan ruins of Lubaantun - known as the ?Place of the Fallen Stones?. Recently reconstructed, this peaceful Late Classic site has 11 major structures, grouped around 5 main plazas, and was uniquely built without mortar. From Dangriga you'll take a taxi to the Tackle Stop Texaco Marina, where you will have a chance to stop for lunch prior to being met by our boat captain and transported across the azure waters of the Caribbean to the island of South Water Caye. This private caribbean island is located just 14 miles off the coast of Dangriga and sits directly on the barrier reef. South Water Caye is a tropical paradise, covered with coconut palms, exotic flowers, and pure white sand. Here you'll discover fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving in crystal clear 86-degree waters and an abundance of fish and coral like nowhere in the world. At South Water Caye you will be staying in a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom cottage (depending on your party size). Each cottage sits serenely on the eastern shore of the island, overlooking the ocean and native mangrove trees. All cottages have private baths with showers. (B, D) Days 5-7: Caribbean island and reef activities Explore this pristine marine habitat. Swim in the warm, pristine caribbean waters. Snorkel over vast sea grass beds and shallow coral reefs to view the abundant marine life. Looking for something more low-key? Relax on the beautiful, secluded beach at South Water and gaze out at the clear blue waters or doze in a hammock and enjoy the gentle sea breeze. (B,L,D) Day 8: Depart for US After breakfast, you will board a boat for the ride back to Dandriga where you will be taken by taxi to the airport. There you'll fly back to the Goldson International Airport and catch your flight home. (B) IMPORTANT NEW BELIZE LAW - June 2009: All Children 16 years or younger traveling without a parent/legal guardian must have a notarized letter of permission from his or her parent/legal guardian. Please call or email with any questions or concerns regarding this new law before your travel date. |
|
|
||||||
| Copyright © 2004, Inernational Zoological Expeditions, Inc. (IZE). All rights reserved. | ||||||