| Belize: Sea Kayaking Adventure |
Belize:
Weather
|
 |
Blessed
with the world's second largest barrier reef and
three of the four true coral atolls, Belize is a winter haven
for North American paddlers. Join us as we explore Belize's
coastal waters including a jungle river and some marvelous cayes.
Spend your first and last nights in beachfront inns, and experience
a mix of camping and cabanas on the cayes and on the river.
Enjoy fresh seafood nightly and insights into the Belizean culture
from our local guides.
Daily
Itinerary |
- Activities: Sea
Kayaking
- Accommodations: Cabanas and Tent Camping
- Boat Supported: Yes
- From: Placencia,
Belize
- 2008
Price: $1,995
| 2008
TRIP DATES |
DURATION |
| February
3 - 10 (Sunday - Sunday) |
8
days, 7 nights |
| March
1 - 8 (Saturday - Saturday) |
8
days, 7 nights |
Registration
Forms Here!
Trip
Reviews
- Fact Sheet - Itinerary
- Common Questions - Top
of Page
BELIZE - trip itinerary
Arrive
in Belize City mid-day to catch an in-country flight to Placencia.
We'll spend our first night in comfortable cabanas and dine
on Belizean cuisine as we get to know our fellow travelers.
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We'll
depart in the morning and head to a local jungle river for a
two-day paddle down to the sea. Along the way we'll enjoy the
abundant variety of life in the jungle and become familiar with
this very unique ecosystem.
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We
continue our journey to the sea meeting our support vessel for
a shuttle out to the cayes. We'll camp on the cayes just inside
the barrier reef enjoying freshly caught seafood for dinner.
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We
combine paddling in our kayaks with plenty of opportunities
for snorkeling, fishing and simply relaxing. With warm waters
lapping at our shores and the world's second longest barrier
reef yards away the opportunities are plentiful! Throughout
our time on the cayes we are accompanied by a support boat.
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We
pack up and bid farewell to the beauty of the cayes to return
to the mainland and spend our final night in Placencia. We celebrate
the trip over dinner at a local restaurant.
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BELIZE - common questions
Q:
What should I pack for my trip?
A: Use the equipment list that The Northwest Passage sent out to
help you determine what you need to pack. The key to packing for
Belize is to pack light. If you pack more than two small bags, there
is the chance that your luggage may not make it on the same in-country
flight as you are on. It is not uncommon for luggage to get delayed
or lost when traveling within Belize. It's a good idea to keep this
in mind when packing, particularly thinking about what you may want
to bring in a carry-on bag. It's a good idea when traveling in general
to leave valuables with sentimental meaning at home.
Q:
Is there anything I need to do before I leave?
A: Use our "Did you remember?" checklist to ensure you
have not forgotten a simple but necessary errand before you go.
Make sure to get all personal needs in order prior to your departure
so you can relax while on the trip.
Q:
When I get to the airport in Belize, what do I do?
A The Northwest Passage will have your flight itinerary and will
meet you at the Placencia airport. You will need to switch planes
in Belize City, generally at the International airport. Upon disembarking
from the plane at Belize International Airport, you will have to
go through customs before entering the terminal. English is the
national language in Belize, so don't hesitate to ask an official
if you are confused about where to go when you get off the plane.
Q:
Do I need to exchange money?
A: While having Belize dollars can be helpful at times, there is
really no need to exchange money. Everyone in Belize accepts US
dollars. The only time you would need Belize money is if you were
to use a payphone or similar automatic machine.
Q:
What is the exchange rate?
A: The exchange rate is two Belize dollars for every one US dollar.
It is very easy and convenient. Always ask if the price of something
is in Belize dollars (BZE) or US dollars. If an item or service
is in BZE simply divide it in half to find the US price.
Q:
Should I bring Traveler's Checks?
A: While Traveler's Checks are nice because they can be replaced
if lost, they are inconvenient to use in Belize and are often not
accepted by many merchants. You will find it more convenient to
bring cash.
Q:
Are credit cards commonly accepted?
A: Credit cards are taken at some tourist facilities (i.e. some
hotels, restaurants and airport gift shops) but most merchants do
not accept them. Be prepared by having adequate amounts of cash
with you for your visit.
Q:
What if I need to be contacted while I'm in Belize?
A: If you'd like to give a contact resource to family and/or friends
while you are away, you can give them either Northwest Passages
contact information (see the bottom of this page) or the name and
number of the hotel we will be staying at on the first and last
night of the trip. Communication to and from Belize can be difficult
and it may be easier to let NWP get a message through. We will be
difficult to contact for the majority of our trip, however upon
returning from the cayes you will be able to call home.
Q:
Can I drink the water in Belize?
A: You may want to bring a bottle of water with you for your flight
down and for your layover in Belize City (bottled water is also
available at the airport). Once in Placencia, the water is mostly
rainwater and is ok to drink. While we are paddling we will also
have fresh water that is OK to drink.
Q:
What are the bugs like down there?
A: Like many wilderness areas, there can be, at times, pesty critters
such as mosquitos and sand flies. Whether the bugs become bothersome
or not often depends on the weather and wind. While on the mainland
you may find some repellent to be handy, particularly when in the
jungle. While out on the cayes, there is generally a warm wind off
the ocean which keeps the air pleasantly free of sandflies and mosquitos.
Q:
I've been seasick before…will this be a problem?
A: If you have a tendency to be seasick you will want to bring down
some preventative medicine. Try to find a medicine that is a "non-drowsy"
formula. If you prefer natural cures, ginger pills or candied ginger
also work well.
Q:
What "optional" gear do you recommend I bring?
A: All optional gear is of course optional. However, if there is
a chance you'd like to try snorkeling or fishing we highly recommend
you bring down your own gear. Typically you can find some fairly
cheap equipment that is made for beginners. If you have a hammock,
bring it along- it's perfect to tie between two palm trees out on
the cayes!
Q: What are the bathroom facilities like on this trip?
A: For the most part, bathroom facilities will be outhouse style
with cold showers. The exception to this will be when we are on
the river at which time all facilities will be natural ones (i.e.
behind the bushes etc.) On the first and last nights of the trip
we will be staying in comfortable cabanas with full bathrooms and
hot water. Think warm showers!
Q:
Is it customary to tip the guides?
A: Typically participants will tip their Belizean guide if they
were happy with their experience. Tipping is completely optional
and the amount can vary from $10 to $50. Tipping the Northwest Passage
guides is unnecessary. In lieu, you can write a thank you letter,
which is always appreciated.
Q:
I've heard Belize runs on it's own time…Is this true?
A: Yes, everything takes place at a much more leisurely pace in
Belize. We recommend that you leave our typical need for speed behind
and accept (and enjoy) the slower pace of life down south.
Q:
Where can I find good maps of Belize?
A: Good maps of Belize can be hard to find. We recommend that besides
looking at local map shops you can email the following organization
with requests: bzefirst@aol.com or by faxing them at 704-667-1717.
Q: What's the weather likely to be like?
A: The daytime temperatures generally will be in the 80's with a
lot of sun. Make sure that you have a way to cover your skin and
face (a brimmed hat etc). It is also likely that we will encounter
some rain and for this you will definitely want a full rain suit.
Evenings tend to be somewhat cooler than the days which makes for
pleasant sleeping. Winds can sometimes be strong, but tend to die
out towards afternoon. Find out what the weather is like in Belize
today by visiting www.wunderground.com.
Q:
What kind of sleeping bag do I need? Is a sleeping "sheet"
adequate?
A: You will want to have either a lightweight sleeping bag or sleeping
"sheet" to use during the night. If you tend to get cool
during the nights, definitely take a sleeping bag as temperatures
do drop. If you are a hot sleeper, a sheet to cover yourself may
be adequate. In both cases, you will want to have a sleeping pad.
Trip
Reviews
- Fact Sheet - Itinerary
- Common Questions - Top
of Page
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